Family Resources
Useful Links
Wellness Resources
For Students
For Parents
Virtual Calming Rooms
Get Connected
Q-Parent Connect
Q-Parent Connect will allow you to access student grades, attendance, and additional information. Once enrollment is complete, the parent/guardian should receive a Parent Connection account log-in and temporary password.
- If you do not remember your Q-ParentConnection pin or password, please use the links under the Login button to receive that information.
- If you do not currently have a Q-ParentConnection account, please contact your child’s school.
ParentSquare
ParentSquare provides a simple and safe way for everyone at school and across the district to connect.
- Receive all district, school and classroom communication via email, text, or through the app.
- Communicate in your preferred language.
- Comment on school postings to engage with your school community.
- View the school and classroom calendar and RSVP for events.
- Easily sign up to volunteer and/or bring items.
- Securely receive report cards and other important information.
ParentSquare can be used on any device. You can download the free mobile app for iOS (iPhone) or Android or use the desktop version at www.parentsquare.com
Annual Verification & Important Forms
Please visit the district website for health forms and back-to-school information verification.
Attendance Guidelines
Important: Absences must be excused by a parent/guardian within 10 calendar days. Voicemails do not excuse absences. Use Q Parent Connection or respond to ParentSquare notifications. Students should not miss more than 7 full school days. Parents/Guardians can excuse only up to 7 absences.
School Attendance Expectations
Students are expected to maintain 97% attendance and actively participate in all classes. Missing instruction can impact grades and eligibility.
- Students should not miss more than 7 full school days.
- Parents/Guardians can excuse only up to 7 absences.
- Parents/guardians have 10 calendar days to verify absences.
- Arriving 30+ minutes late is considered truant.
Activity Eligibility
Eligibility applies to sports, dances (including Prom), field trips, and all school-sponsored activities.
- 3 days or 12 unexcused periods = ineligible.
- Unexcused periods can be excused with Saturday School (1 session excuses up to 4).
- Skipped detention or Saturday School = ineligible until served.
- Parents may excuse up to 7 days of absences per school year. From the 8th day onward, only medical/school verification accepted.
Excused and Unexcused Absences - Cal. Ed. Code 48205
Parents may excuse UP TO 7 days of absences per school year. This includes both excused and unexcused absences.
Excused Absences
- Illness (verified by parent/guardian)
- Bereavement (1 day in-state, 3 days out-of-state)
- Quarantine by health official
- Medical/dental appointment (verified in writing)
- Court appearance
- Religious retreat (shall not exceed one school day per semester or two per academic calendar year)
Even if reported by a parent/guardian, these absences remain parent-verified unexcused if they do not meet California Ed Code criteria.
Unexcused Absences
- Car trouble, traffic, missed ride
- Oversleeping
- Family vacation
Reporting & Excusing Absences
- Report via Q Parent Connection or reply to ParentSquare notifications.
- Ensure a parent/guardian submits within 10 calendar days.
- Voicemails do not excuse absences.
Mistake in Attendance? If a student has been marked absent by mistake, please have your student pick up a correction form at the Attendance Office window.
Off-Campus / Early Release
For emergencies or medical appointments that cannot be scheduled after school:
- Written Note: Submit before school with student name, ID, reason, time, and parent signature.
- Q Parent Connection: Submit request before 10:00 AM the same day.
Students may not leave without an approved pass. Valid ID required for pick-up. Emergency contacts may pick up a student with valid ID if a parent or guardian has submitted an Off-Campus/Early Release request. Frequent early dismissals may affect eligibility. Excessive Off-Campus/Early Release Requests will result in a mandatory meeting with an administrator.
Tardy Policy
- Arriving after the bell = tardy.
- 3+ tardies or absences = truant.
- Consequences: loss of privileges, detention, Saturday School, or SART/SARB referral.
SART and SARB Process
SART (School Attendance Review Team): Students who are deemed habitual truants may be required to attend a SART meeting with their parents. The team analyzes attendance issues and emphasizes the obligation to maintain regular attendance. If satisfactory improvement does not occur, the case is referred to SARB.
SARB (School Attendance Review Board): SARB includes district, law enforcement, and community representatives. It ensures compliance with compulsory education laws and can refer families to the court system if attendance does not improve after SART interventions.
Perfect Attendance Recognition
Zero absences in a semester qualifies for recognition. Four-year perfect attendance may be honored at graduation.
Note: Field Trips, On-Campus Activities, Class Did Not Meet, and Nurse Exclusions do not impact perfect attendance eligibility.
Did You Know?
By 9th grade, attendance is a better predictor of graduation rates than 8th grade test scores. Missing just a single day a month over the course of the school year can dramatically affect a student's academic success. Students are encouraged to attend free on-campus tutoring during their Advisory period.
We Are Here to Support You
We understand that every family may face unique circumstances that impact attendance. If your student is experiencing challenges or special circumstances affecting attendance, please reach out to our Attendance Team or Counseling Staff. We are here to listen, problem-solve, and support you in keeping your student engaged and successful at school.
Phone-Free Policy: Frequently Asked Questions
A phone-free school day helps students stay engaged in learning, build stronger relationships, and be more present in the moment. Board Policy 5131.8, aligned with California’s Phone-Free School Act (AB 3216), supports these goals. Explore the FAQs below to learn more about the policy and what it means for students and families.
TOGETHER, WE CAN CREATE CLASSROOMS WHERE STUDENTS ARE:
Present today. Prepared for tomorrow.
Every minute matters.
Learning first.
More conversation. Less distraction.
Personal electronic device-free
Why is Downey Unified implementing this policy?
The policy reduces distractions, increases student engagement, strengthens face-to-face interactions, and supports student well-being. It reflects our commitment to creating a focused, safe, and engaging learning environment.
What devices are covered?
The policy applies to all mobile communication devices, including cell phones, smartwatches, earbuds, headphones, AirPods, tablets, gaming devices, smart glasses, and similar personal electronic devices.
When must devices be turned off?
During instructional time, all personal devices must be put in the pocket chart and may not be accessed unless authorized by a teacher or school staff.
Can my student bring a phone to school?
Yes. Students may bring personal devices to school. However, they must be turned off during instructional time unless their use is authorized by school staff unless required as part of an accommodation as outlined in an Individualized Education Program (IEP), Section 504 Plan, or documented medical necessity.
How can I reach my student during the school day?
Please contact your student’s school office. Office staff will ensure important messages are delivered promptly.
What if my student needs to contact me?
Students will be able to contact a parent or guardian through the school office during the school day when there is an emergency during instructional time.
What happens during an emergency?
Students may use their devices only when directed by staff or when necessary to ensure their personal safety. The District will communicate with families through its established emergency notification systems.
Are there exceptions to the policy?
Yes. Students with an Individualized Education Program (IEP), a Section 504 plan, or documented medical need may use approved devices as specified in their plan or approved accommodation.
What happens if a student does not follow the policy?
A progressive discipline process will be used, starting with device confiscation and increasing consequences for repeated violations.
How can families support this effort?
- Review the policy with your student.
- Reinforce that devices must remain off and out of sight during the school day.
- Encourage healthy technology habits and face-to-face communication.
- Partner with school staff to support focused, respectful learning envieronments.
School Site Council
School Site Councils are the major part of the overall decision-making structure at our school. They are a very special group of people who are elected by their peers to represent the members of a school community. Their primary role is to guide the Site Planning Process to ensure that the needs of all students are specifically addressed in the School Site Plan. The School Site Plan is a living document that highlights the goals for the school and the programs and dollars that the school needs to turn these goals into a reality for students.
SSC Meeting Agendas
SSC Meeting Minutes
SSC Meeting Roster
Helpful Information
Athletics Participation
Learn more about joining a sport.
School Home Compact
This document explains how parents and teachers will work together to ensure all our students reach grade-level standards. Download: School Home Compact
i-Ready
i-Ready is an online program that will help determine your student’s needs, personalize their learning, and monitor progress throughout the school year. i-Ready allows teachers to meet your student exactly where they are and provides data to increase your student’s learning gains.
Learn more: Visit the Family Center
School Zone Traffic Laws
Become familiar with the special laws related to keeping schools safe. Learn more: School Zone Traffic Laws
eBike Policy & Safety
Learn about which kinds of eBikes are allowed at DUSD, the district policies, and important safety information.
Learn More
Family Engagement Policy
The document outlines an involvement policy for the school, fostering collaboration between school and families.
Download: Family Engagement Policy
California Assessment of Student Performance and Progress (CAASPP)
End-of-year statewide test results to get a complete picture of your child’s learning.
Learn more: CAASPP: A Parent’s Guide
Common Sense Media
Discover family-friendly media you feel good about sharing with your kids. Entertainment and technology recommendations for families.
Visit: commonsensemedia.org
Uniform Complaint Procedure
Guidelines and process for addressing legal, discriminatory, and educational complaints within Downey Unified School District.
Learn More
Foster Youth Resources
Students with an open DCFS case, including those in out-of-home care or receiving family reunification or maintenance services have specific rights and resources available to them. Through Assembly Bill 490, these students have specific rights to school stability, immediate enrollment, and other protections—plus access to supportive resources that help them stay on track toward graduation and future success.
Homeless (McKinney-Vento) Resources
The McKinney-Vento Act is a federal law established to assist homeless children and youth with enrolling, attending and succeeding in school. The goal is that homeless youth are guaranteed the same educational services that all students are provided in order to meet challenging academic standards.