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Attendance & Absences

Attendance at School: Every day counts!

A new school year means new opportunities, and it all starts with showing up. Whether it’s learning to read, mastering math, or building friendships, success happens one day at a time. Strong attendance builds strong habits. Every class counts, and every day your child is in school sets the stage for tomorrow’s achievements. Let’s make this year the one where we all show up ready to learn, ready to grow, and ready to succeed. Together, we can help every student build momentum for the future.

The image displays a green background with text stating %22WHEN DO ABSENCES BECOME A PROBLEM?%22, and below it are three categories of absence days with corresponding labels. In the foreground, there is a photograph of a young person, likely a student, sitting on a bench and smiling.

Be present. Be prepared. Be #PresentForTheFuture.

What Should I Do If My Child Is Absent?

Communication with the school each time your child is absent is essential. If an absence is not reported and documented appropriately, it may be recorded as unexcused, which can impact grades and lead to truancy.

Report an Absence Through Family Access

Parents and guardians should submit all absence requests through Skyward Qmlativ Family Access to:

  • Submit absence requests directly to your child's attendance record.
  • Upload supporting documentation (parent notes or medical notes).
  • Track the status of pending and processed requests.
  • Update existing requests with additional documentation at any time.

Absence Limits & Notes

  • Parent Notes: Up to 5 parent-note absences allowed per school year for any reason.
  • Healthcare Notes: Absences verified by a provider's note and submitted within 3 school days are excused and do not count toward parent-note or pre-planned limits.
  • Partial Days: If a student attends part of the day but misses time for a medical appointment, proper notes prevent it from counting as an official absence.

Pre-Planned Absences

Students may have up to 5 pre-planned absences for family trips or outside activities.

  • Submit request at least 1 week before the first absence date.
  • Complete and attach the Pre-Planned Absence Form in Family Access.
  • Requests submitted >30 days in advance remain pending until inside the 30-day review window.

Attendance for Credit & Texas Law Requirements

90% Rule for Credit: Under Texas law, students must attend class at least 90% of the time offered. Falling below this threshold—regardless of reason—results in loss of course credit. To restore credit, a plan must be set by the campus principal or Attendance Committee.
Attendance Committee Members:

Campus Administrator, Teachers (majority), Counselors, Nurse, and Special Education Teacher.

Truancy Warning: More than 3 unexcused absences in a 4-week period or 10 in a 6-month period (including late arrivals and early pick-ups) may result in court referral or legal charges filed against parents. For details on legally excused events (religious holidays, driver's license, college visits), consult the LISD Student Handbook.

Have Questions?

If you need help reporting an absence, contact your child's campus Attendance Clerk.