Attendance Policy

Patterson Elementary expects every child to attend school daily, arrive on time, and come prepared to learn. Regular attendance is required by California State Law and the Fremont Unified School District.

1. Reporting an Absence

If your child is going to be absent, you must clear it with the school:

  • Call the Absence Line: Dial (510) 793-0420, ext. 7 and leave a message.

  • Clearance: A phone call or written note is required for every absence. The attendance clerk verifies all unexcused absences daily.

  • More Details: Review the full guide on how to Report an Absence.

2. Times to AVOID Picking Up Your Child

Please do not schedule pick-ups during lunchtime or recess. Once students are on the playground, they cannot be called to the office until they return to class.

Please avoid the following specific windows:

  • Kindergarten: 10:00 AM – 10:30 AM & 11:45 AM – 12:25 PM

  • Primary (Grades 1–3): 10:00 AM – 10:17 AM, 11:00 AM – 11:45 AM, & 1:25 PM – 1:45 PM

  • Intermediate (Grades 4–5): 10:20 AM – 10:35 AM & 12:05 PM – 12:50 PM

3. Excused vs. Unexcused Absences

  • Excused Absences: Includes student illness, quarantine, immediate family funerals, and medical appointments.

  • Unexcused Absences: Includes family trips, caring for a sick relative, or any reason not listed above.

  • Tardiness: Arriving late disrupts the learning environment for the entire class. Please ensure your student arrives on time.

4. Make-Up Work

  • Excused Absences & Field Trips: Teachers will provide make-up tests and assignments.

  • Unexcused Absences, Truancies, & Suspensions: Teachers are not required to provide make-up work. Please check directly with your child's teacher regarding their individual classroom policy.

5. Short-Term Independent Study (6+ Days)

If your child will be out of town or absent for six or more consecutive days, they may qualify for an Independent Study packet to keep their attendance excused:

  • Request an Independent Study contract at least 5 days before the absence begins.

  • The contract must be signed by both the parent and the principal.

  • All assigned schoolwork must be completed and turned in on schedule.

6. Early Dismissals & Appointments

Please try to schedule medical and personal appointments outside of school hours. If an early dismissal is unavoidable:

  1. Send a note to the teacher that morning so they can prepare any homework.

  2. Come to the school office to sign your student out.

  3. Note: To maximize instructional time, students will not be called out of class until the parent physically arrives in the office.

📋 Our Plan to Support Attendance

To ensure student success, Patterson monitors attendance closely by tracking absences, contacting parents systematically, hosting school review boards when necessary, and utilizing detention periods for completing missed classwork.

Last Updated: June 12, 2026