Attendance

ATTENDANCE MATTERS!

Documentation after an Absence

When a student is absent from school, the student—upon arrival or return to school— must bring a note signed by the parent that describes the reason for the absence. The campus will document in its attendance records for the student whether the absence is considered by the district to be excused or unexcused. 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. The district allows 5 parent notes per semester. Any absence after the 5th will be considered unexcused. You may also email notes to email address: MHEattendance@judsonisd.org.

Doctor’s Note after an Absence for Illness

Within 3 days of returning to school, a student absent for more than 3 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. Otherwise, the student’s absence may be considered unexcused and, if so, would be in violation of compulsory attendance laws. Should the student develop a questionable pattern of absences, the principal or attendance committee may require a statement from a doctor or health clinic verifying the illness or condition that caused the student’s absence from school to determine whether the absence or absences will be excused or unexcused.

  • Find out if your child feels engaged by his classes and feels safe from mistreatment. Make sure he/she is not missing class because of behavioral issues and school discipline policies. If any of these are problems, work with your school. 
  • Ask for help from school officials, afterschool programs, other parents or community agencies if you’re having trouble getting your child to school.
  • Talk to teachers if you notice sudden changes in behavior. These could be tied to something going on at school. 

Which absences are exempt from the 90% rule?

Compulsory Attendance Exemptions - All Grade Levels

State law allows exemptions to the compulsory attendance requirements for the following activities and events, as long as the student makes up all the work:

  • Religious holy days;
  • Required court appearances.
  • Activities related to obtaining U.S. citizenship.
  • Documented health-care appointments for the student or a child of the student, including absences related to autism services, if the student returns to school on the same day as the appointment and brings a note from the healthcare provider.
  • Absences resulting from a serious or life-threatening illness or related treatment that makes a student’s attendance infeasible, with certification by a physician.
  • For students in the conservatorship of the state.
  • An activity required under a court-ordered service plan; or
  • Any other court-ordered activity provided it is not practicable to schedule the student’s participation in the activity outside of school hours. For children of military families, absences of up to five days will be excused for a student to visit a parent, stepparent, or legal guardian going to, on leave from, or returning from certain deployments.

What is an unexcused absence?

An unexcused absence is an absence that does not meet state or district guidelines. Unexcused absences also occur when the parent cannot produce any documentation that explains the absence or if the parent presents documentation that does not meet the criteria for excused absences.

Absences that are considered UNEXCUSED:

  • · Being absent without parental consent or knowledge
  • · Being absent without written notification from a parent or legal guardian
  • · Weddings
  • · Graduations not for the student
  • · Family reunions
  • · Vacations/Cruises
  • · International Travels
  • · Willfully refusing to attend school
  • · Oversleeping/Alarm failure
  • · Car trouble
  • · Needed at home for babysitting, chores, etc.
  • · Missing the bus
  • · Parent Notes exceeding the allotted 5 maximum per semester.
  • · Any other absence that is not covered under the law