Attendance Guidelines
MUSD sets a high standard of excellence in education. This high standard includes the expectation that all students will attend classes promptly and on a regular basis to achieve the full educational benefit. Absences should only occur when unavoidable. School attendance is ultimately the responsibility of the student and his/her parents. Students with good attendance records generally achieve higher grades, enjoy school more and are more attractive to potential employers. Attendance is compulsory for students who have not reached age sixteen or completed the 10th grade.
MUSD Truancy Statement
The Marana Unified School District is committed to the enforcement of state mandatory attendance laws (A.R.S. 15-802 and A.R.S. 15-803).
After two unexcused absences each school will mail the parent(s) or legal guardian(s) of the truant student a notification letter advising them of the truancy and requiring the parents/guardians to inform the school of the measures they have taken to ensure their minor child between the ages of six and sixteen is attending school. The school will determine if the excuse is valid and acceptable. School personnel may require further documentation to substantiate the reason for absence. After three unexcused absences the school may file notification with the Pima County Attorney’s Office for prosecution purposes.
General Guidelines
Absence is defined as a student’s non-attendance in an assigned class during the assigned period.
Excused absences include:
- Personal illness
- Doctor/Dental appointment
- Serious illness of a family member
- Death in the family
- Required court appearance
- Religious holiday
- School sanctioned events
- Suspension or ISS
- Prior approval for an extended absence - ie: Pima County Fair
Phone notification of a student’s absence by the parent/guardian is required the morning of the absence or a note stating the reason for the absence within 24 hours. The attendance office will attempt to contact parents/guardian if the absence is not reported. In all cases, students are responsible for making up missed work, tests, etc. Upon returning to school following an absence, it is the student’s responsibility to get admittance from the Attendance Office. This admit is to be presented to teachers upon request.