If your child is absent, please email mckinley-absence@smmusd.org or call the absence line (not the teacher) at 310-828-5011 ext. 65121 and leave a message stating:

• Student Name
• Teacher Name
• Date of Absence
• Reason for Absence (be specific and detailed)
• Parent Name

Reasons for absences must be provided within 3 days of the absence; calls or emails after that time will not be accepted, and the absence will be marked as Unexcused. Absences that are not explained by a call or email from a parent or guardian are considered Unexcused Absences. Absences of five or more days due to illness require a doctor’s note for re-admission.

Excused Absences are: Illness, medical/dental appointments with a note, religious holidays, and/or bereavement (1 day).

Unexcused Absences are: Unverified absences (no note turned in or no email to the office), vacations, personal days, and/or suspensions.

Students are expected to report to school on the first day of school. Per SMMUSD policy, spaces are not held for students. Please plan your vacations accordingly.

If your child is absent and you wish to pick up school assignments, call the office before 9:30am to request the assignments. The child’s homework may be picked up in the office after school that same day. This applies to classes where assignments are given on a daily basis. Students should have an outside reading book(s) with them each day so that they do not miss independent reading homework. Also, for the upper grades, make sure your child has at least two “study buddies” that they can call for assignments.