Regular school attendance is essential for a student to make the most of his/her education ... to benefit from teacher-led and school activities and to grow as an individual.  Absences from class may result in serious disruption of a student's mastery of instructional content; therefore, students and parents should make every effort to avoid unnecessary absences.

Students enrolled in school are required to attend school.  If a school-aged student is deliberately not attending school, a court of law may impose penalties again both the student and his/her parents.  A complaint against the parent may be filed in court if the student:

• Is absent from school on ten or more days or parts of days within a six-month period in the same school year, or

• Is absent on three or more days or parts of days within a four-week period.

In order for a student to receive credit for a class, he/she by law must attend at least 90 percent of the days the class is offered.

For specific laws and policies regarding attendance, please review the Student Handbook beginning on page 16.

Parent's Note After an Absence

On the day a student is absent, his/her parent/guardian should call the attendance clerk  Tracey Ropp at 214.495.6750 ext. 8306.  Upon returning to school, the student must bring a note, signed by the parent that describes the reason for the absence and the date(s) of the absence.  After 3 school days, the absence will be considered unexcused if a note has not been received by the school office.  Faxed notes may be accepted if they contain all required information including the parent/guardian signature.  Emails will not be accepted.

Doctor's Note After an Absence for Illness

Upon return to school, a student who is absent for more than five (5) 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. 

For specific laws and policies, please review the Student Handbook on page 20.

Tardiness

A student who is not in class when the bell rings is tardy (also considered a partial day absence) and is subject to disciplinary action.   Partial day absences may be due to late arrival to school or early departure from school or class.  Truancy may be filed if the problem continues and the number of partial day absences is a violation of the compulsory attendance law.

For specific laws and policies regarding tardiness, please review the Student Handbook beginning on page 19.