First Notification of Truancy
Example of the first notification of truancy. California Education Code Section 48260.5, as amended and operative July 1, 2025.This example is provided for convenience. The school district may modify the letter and put on district letterhead if they choose to utilize it.
September 30, 2025
Dear John and Jane Doe:
Our records indicate that your child, John Doe Jr., in grade two was absent for more than 30 minutes on: September 9, 10, and 11, 2025, without a valid excuse. When a student is absent without a valid excuse on three occasions in one school year, the student is considered truant. Upon a student’s initial classification as a truant, the school district notifies the student’s parent/guardian that:
- The student is truant.
- The parent/guardian is obligated to compel the attendance of the student at school.
- Alternative educational programs are available in the school district.
- The parent/guardian has the right to meet with appropriate school personnel to discuss solutions to the student’s truancy.
- Mental health and supportive services may be available to the student and the family.
- School personnel are available to meet with the student and family to develop strategies to support the student’s attendance at school.
- Research shows that missing 10 percent of school for any reason can translate into students having difficulty learning to read by third grade, achieving in middle school, and graduating from high school.
If your child was absent due to a chronic illness or other unavoidable circumstances, or if the school attendance record is inaccurate, please contact the school attendance clerk.
We would like to understand the barriers to your child’s attendance and discuss how we can work together to make sure your child is in class and learning.
Our goal is to assist you in educating your child.
Sincerely,
Principal Jane Smith
References:
Unexcused Absences: California Education Code (EC) Section 48260(c)
Truancy: EC Section 48260(a)