PUSD Checking In on Absent Students

According to a release from the district, the en masse search is part of the "I'm In!" attendance campaign. 

The district states that "volunteers will target absent students at all grade levels to determine whether they left the district and enrolled at another school or if they have family, social, or economic issues that prevent them from attending school. Counselors and staff will offer on the spot help and support to bring them back to school to complete their education."

In other notes from the district:

• In October, PUSD will begin using the Attention to Attendance (A2A) program, which links with the district’s student information system to monitor absences and automatically generate and mail letters to parents/guardians when students are truant three times, more than 30 minutes late to school or class, or have excessive excused and unexcused absences. A2A will also allow schools to document interventions and develop solutions in partnership between the student, family and local resources.

• On Sept. 23, PUSD’s Twilight school will open its doors, providing several different programs for students. Among the options are classes for students who are not on track to graduate or those who need to remediate D and F grades for college readiness; diploma options for older students who would benefit from a non-traditional school schedule to meet requirements for graduation and ease the transition to community college; and a GED program for adult students who wish to earn their diploma. Twilight school hours are from 4 p.m. to 8:15 p.m. and classes will initially be held at Rose City High School. The credit classes will use blended instruction where students will receive both direct and online instruction. Career development and English language development classes will also be offered. Interested individuals that are not currently attending a PUSD school should contact Jack Loos at (626) 396-5883 or loos.jack@pusd.us to enroll.