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Attendance Matters

Every Day Counts. Every Student Matters.
At Apache Junction Unified School District, we believe consistent attendance is one of the most important factors in a child’s success, both in school and in life. Students who attend regularly feel more connected, learn more, and build the habits that lead to confidence, achievement, and resilience.
When students miss school, even just a few days, it can add up, affecting everything from reading skills to relationships. That’s why we work together with families to support strong, steady attendance from preschool through high school.

Attendance Policy
Regular attendance is required by law and essential to student success.
The State of Arizona defines:

  • Habitual truancy: 5 or more unexcused absences
  • Chronic absenteeism: Missing 10% or more of the school year (excused or unexcused)


Key Guidelines:

  • Parents/guardians must contact the school each day a student is absent.
  • Excessive absences (10+ in a semester) may lead to a loss of credit or academic intervention.
  • Excessive tardies may contribute to truancy status.
  • Students absent for 10 consecutive school days without contact may be withdrawn from enrollment.

Excused Absences

AJUSD considers absences excused for:

  • Illness
     
  • Doctor or dental appointments
     
  • Family emergencies
     
  • Religious observances
     
  • School-approved activities
     

We encourage families to schedule appointments outside of school hours when possible. For extended absences (3+ days), contact your school in advance.

Reporting an Absence

If your child will be absent, please notify your school each day they are out.

Each school has a designated attendance line or front office number. You can find your school’s contact information on their website.

When reporting an absence, please include:

  • Your child’s full name
     
  • Grade level
     
  • Reason for the absence
     
  • Your name and relationship to the student

 

Unexcused Absences

An absence is considered unexcused when no reason is provided, or if the reason does not meet Arizona state criteria. Repeated unexcused absences may lead to interventions or meetings with school staff.

Make-Up Work
Students with excused absences are allowed to complete missed assignments. It is the responsibility of the student and parent to follow up with teachers and make up work within the allowed timeframe.

 

Family Vacations
Vacations during school days are discouraged. If unavoidable, please contact the school in advance. These absences are not typically excused, and make-up work may be limited.

Arriving late, even by a few minutes, can disrupt your child’s learning and classroom environment. Students who arrive after the bell must check in at the office before going to class.
Please make every effort to ensure your child arrives on time, every day.

 

Students with excused absences are allowed to complete missed assignments. It is the responsibility of the student and parent to follow up with teachers and make up work within the allowed timeframe.

Vacations during school days are discouraged. If unavoidable, please contact the school in advance. These absences are not typically excused, and make-up work may be limited.

  • Arriving late, even by a few minutes, can disrupt your child’s learning and classroom environment. Students who arrive after the bell must check in at the office before going to class.
    Please make every effort to ensure your child arrives on time, every day.

     

  • Students with excused absences are allowed to complete missed assignments. It is the responsibility of the student and parent to follow up with teachers and make up work within the allowed timeframe.

  • Vacations during school days are discouraged. If unavoidable, please contact the school in advance. These absences are not typically excused, and make-up work may be limited.