Hicks Elementary

Documentation Before and After an Absence (All Grade Levels)

Planned absences for reasons other than a scheduled health care appointment or illness, should be communicated with the campus in advance to determine if they will be excused. Please contact your child’s attendance clerk for assistance.

When a student is absent from school, the student—upon arrival or return to school—must bring a note from a health care provider or a 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 unless the student is age 18 or older or is an emancipated minor under state law. Failure to provide a note within 3 school days following an absence may result in the absence being unexcused.

The campus will document in its attendance records for the student whether the absence is considered by the district to be excused or unexcused.

You are encouraged to provide a doctor's note to excuse your child's absence anytime he/she misses school for illness or an appointment. If the student was only absent part of the school day for an appointment with a health care provider, providing this note within 3 days means the partial day missed will not count as an absence.

The district will accept parent notes to excuse an illness, personal, or pre-approved absence for up to 10 full or partial day absences during the school year. Fewer than 10 parent requested absences may be excused if the student is in danger of loss of credit at the time of the request. Any additional absences will require a note from a health care provider or documentation of an absence exempt from compulsory attendance, in order to be excused.

Unexcused absences are considered truancy and the grade for makeup work after an unexcused absence shall be zero. [See EIA Local]

Allowances to attendance expectations will be made for students who are required or recommended to self-isolate or remain home under COVID-19 related guidance from TEA, CDC, LISD, or other public health or governmental authorities.

Note: 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.