Excused Absences

Excused Absences

The Student Parent Handbooks states,

"When a student is absent from school, the student - upon arrival or returning to school - must bring a note, signed by the parent that describes the reason for the absence... Notes explaining the student's absence should be submitted within 72 hours of the student returning to school following the absence. Notes describing the reason for the absence maybe emailed from the parent's email address to the school's campus attendance office. The campus will document in its attendance records for the students whether the absence is considered by the district to be excused or unexcused. Please note that, unless the absence is for a statutorily allowed reason under compulsory attendance laws, the district is not required to excuse any absence, even if the parent provides a note explaining the absence."

When a student is absent, parents should call the school office as soon as possible on the day of the absence (and each consecutive absence) to report the reason for the student's absence.

• Following the absence, the parent must provide a note within 72 hours of the absence.
• Absence notes must include: student's full name, teacher's name, date(s) of absence, specific reason for absence, and parent's signature and phone number.
• Absence notes will be processed 5-7 days after the child's absence. If a not is not submitted during this time, the absence will become unexcused.
• Doctor's orders, patient print-outs, or receipts are not accepted as excuse notes. The attendance office only accepts a valid excuse from your healthcare professional, or a handwritten excuse (for an excused reason) from the parent. Be sure to include ALL of the days the child is absent on the note. Only the days written on the note will be excused.

Excused Absences are recognized for the following reasons:

• Illness, quarantine of the student or the immediate family- a doctor’s note may be required after five or more consecutive days. For extended absences, parents may contact the teacher to request assignments.
• Death of an immediate family member or a family emergency which could not be anticipated.
• Participation in a school-sponsored activity.
• Participation in medical or dental appointments – written verification required from the physician’s office.
• Observance of a religious holiday under Texas Education Code 25.087.
• Participation in activities related to Child Protection Services or the Juvenile Justice System.
• Teen parent absences to take care of his or her child.
• Absences related to migrant workers.
• Days missed as a runaway.
• Participation in a substance abuse rehabilitation program.
• Homeless, as defined by law.
• Appearing at a governmental office to complete paperwork required in connection with the student’s application for United States citizenship or taking part in a United
• States naturalization oath ceremony.
• Student with diagnosed autism spectrum disorder when attending health care appointments related to the disorder.
• Special circumstances absence determined by principal to be excused.
• Students must be in attendance 51% of the day in order to participate in a school sponsored event that day/evening unless administrator approval is obtained.

Absences for reasons other than those listed above will be considered unexcused and may result in disciplinary consequences.