Student Attendance Requirements

 

A school district shall notify a student’s parent in writing if the student is absent from school without excuse on 10 or more days (or parts of days) within a six-month period or on 3 or more days (or parts of days) within a four-week period.  In case of excessive unexcused absences:

 

1. The student’s parent is subject to prosecution or referral to a juvenile court;
2. The school district shall notify a student’s parent that it is the parent’s duty to monitor school attendance and require the student to attend school; and
3. The school district shall also request a conference between school officials and the parent to discuss the absences. (Under Sec. 25.093 – 25.094 – 25.095 and 25.0951)

 

 

Dear Parents / Guardians,

 

Public schools in Texas are under legislative mandate to deny credit for the year to any child not in attendance a  minimum of 90% of the school days in the term.  (Code 25.092)  Excessive absences will be reviewed by the campus attendance committee to determine if extenuating circumstances exist and to assign alternative methods of making up the time and /or work missed.
* Students enrolled in pre-kindergarten and kindergarten are required to attend school.

Absence Procedures and Requirements
If a student is absent from school, the parent should notify the school office (903-965-7725) to explain why the student is absent.  For the student whose parent has not notified the office by 9 a.m., a campus representative will make every attempt to phone the parent at home or work to determine the reason for the child’s absence.  Upon returning to school, the student should bring a note of explanation, regardless of whether the parent has been reached on the day of the absence.

 

Parent’s Note After an Absence

When a student must be absent from school, the student – upon returning to school- must bring a note, signed by the parent that describes the reason for the absence.  A note signed by the student, even with the parent’s permission, will not be accepted.

 

Doctor’s Note After an Absence for Illness

Upon returning to school, a student absent for more than two consecutive days because of a personal illness must bring a statement from a doctor or health clinic verifying the illness or condition that caused the student’s extended absence from school.

 

Medical and dental appointments for students during the school day are discouraged.  However, when it is necessary for a student to attend one of these appointments for a portion of the school day, the student will be counted present, if the student returns during the school day and presents written verification from the medical / dental office.

 

Absences such as vacations and trips (except those excused by the principal for unusual circumstances), babysitting, working, non-school athletic events and programs shall be considered unexcused.  In order for a student to make up and receive credit for work assigned during an unexcused absence, the parent must submit one week in advance written notification of the planned absence for principal approval.  When no prior notification is given, students shall receive a zero for all work assigned during the absence. 

 

Sincerely,
Rebeckah Pritchard, Principal
903-965-7725

 

Student Name ________________________________________ Grade ________________

Parent Signature ______________________________________ Date _________________