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Sample Truancy Letter

From the California Attendance Guide, a sample truancy letter that may be useful in reducing chronic absenteeism.

Dear John and Jane Doe,

We need your help. John Doe Jr.’s absences from school are concerning, and your partnership is key.

Why I’m Writing

Our records show that John Doe Jr. was absent for 30+ minutes on September 22, 2025 without a valid excuse. When a student is absent for more than 30 minutes during the school day without a valid excuse on three occasions in one school year, the student is considered truant.

Missing 10 percent of school for any reason—excused or not—can translate into a student having difficulty learning to read by third grade, achieving in middle school, graduating from high school, and makes it harder to build friendships.

As John Doe Jr.'s parent/guardian, the law says you need to compel John Doe Jr.'s attendance at school.

How We Can Partner

We’d like to better understand what’s going on and work together on a plan. We can help with:

  • Alternative learning options available in the school district
  • Available on-site or community mental health supports for students and their families
  • A meeting (if you choose) with school staff to talk through solutions to the absences/truancy and strategies to support attendance

If any absences have been incorrectly recorded or were due to unavoidable issues, we’d also love to know that.

What to Do Next

Next step—reach out in whatever way is easiest:

• Call/text: 999-999-9999
• Email: principal@anyschool.k12.ca.us

If we don’t hear from you in a few days, we’ll follow up. We look forward to working together to help John Doe Jr. stay on track and thrive.

Warmly,

References
  • Unexcused Absences: California Education Code (EC) Section48260(c)
  • Truancy: EC Section 48260(a)
  • First Notification of Truancy: EC Section 48260.5, as amended and operative July 1, 2025

Return to the California Attendance Guide Home page

Questions:   Whole Child Division | 916-319-0616
Last Reviewed: Tuesday, August 19, 2025
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