ABSENCE CALL IN

On the morning of a student’s absence, the parent/guardian should call the school with the reason and dates of the absence.

STUDENTS LEAVING SCHOOL DURING THE SCHOOL DAY

A student who leaves school during the day must sign out through the office prior to leaving school and must sign in upon returning. When returning the student must bring a note from their parent/guardian with date(s) and reason for the absence.  The notes are due within three days following the absence.  Handwritten and faxed notes are acceptable.  Notes sent by email are not acceptable.  If a student left school for an appointment, documentation of the appointment must be provided upon return to school.

A student who becomes ill during the day should, with the teacher’s permission, report to the nurse. The nurse will decide whether or not the student should be sent home and will notify the student’s parent/guardian.

EXCUSED ABSENCES

According to Texas Family Code 51.03(d), an absence is excused when the absence results from one of the following:

• illness of the child

• illness or death in the family of the child

• quarantine of the child and family

• weather or road conditions making travel dangerous

• absence is approved by the child’s teacher, principal or superintendent

• absence is based on other reasonable and proper documentation.

Absences for all other reasons are Unexcused and teachers are not required to give make up work.

ABSENCES AND EXTRA CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES

A student absent from school for any reason, other than for documented health care appointment, will not be allowed to participate in school-related activities on that day or evening. A student must be present ½ of the day (four periods) to participate in extracurricular activities.

PREARRANGED ABSENCE REQUEST

In order to obtain permission to make up class work regarding an extended absence due to family obligations, students must have a form completed prior to the absence. All requests must have parental consent. These forms are available in the school office. The principal will approve a limited number of days per student, additional days will be considered unexcused absences. You can also access the form here: Prearranged Absence Request Form.

HOMEWORK REQUESTS

If an illness will keep a student out of school for three (3) or more days, the parent/guardian may call the office on the morning of the third day and request their homework assignment be collected from the teachers. Prior to the three days the parent may make the request by emailing the teachers or accessing the Internet for daily assignments. Once the assignments have been collected they will be available for pick up in the office.

Questions regarding the absence policy or a student’s absence may be directed to Joyce Cagle, Attendance/Registrar in the school office.