According to the state of Texas, students must be present 90% of the time in a class on a daily basis to receive credit for the course. Non-attendance is the number one reason that students are unsuccessful in their classes.

If you break the 90% attendance rule, then the highest grade that you can receive in a class where you have been consistently absent, is a 69.

Absences

When a student is absent, one of the following is required:

• A written note signed by the parent stating the reason for the absence.
• A doctor verification provided by the doctor/dentist office (required if this is the reason for the absence). Doctor/dentist note must be turned in within three days of the appointment.
• Per district policy, three or more consecutive days of absence due to illness requires a doctor’s note in order for absences to be excused.
• A note written on letterhead of the agency visited or of the organization represented (INS, religious holiday, etc.).

Parent notes require the following:

• All parent notes must be received by the attendance office within 3 days of the student’s returning to school.
• Student or parent must sign in the note(s) on the attendance office log sheet.
• Notes not received within the 3 days will become an unexcused absence(s).
• Notes written in pencil will not be accepted.
• Parent signature, student ID# and contact telephone number.
• Phone calls and emails will not be accepted for absences.
• Students are allowed 6 parent notes per semester for illness. One note can cover up to 3 consecutive school days.

Excused absences

Absences are excused for:

• Personal illness (not to exceed 2 consecutive school days, see above).
• Doctor/Dentist appointment (note required).
• Funeral (parent note required). Formal documentation such as copy of funeral service, obituary or note from funeral home is strongly suggested when submitting parent note.
• College visits. Both juniors and seniors are allowed 2 college visits per school year. The visit must be documented on college/university letterhead. It must be the original. No copies. Pamphlets or any other type of information from the college/university will not be accepted.

Final discretion on excused and unexcused absences lies with the attendance administrator.

Unexcused absences

Unexcused absences may cause any or all of the following:

• If a student has 4 or more absences in a semester in any class and any one of those absences are unexcused, the student is in danger of losing credit for coursework and will be required to attend credit restoration.
• Denial of a TEA form required for driver’s education class, driver’s permit, and/or renewal of driver’s license.
• A court filing for violation of the compulsory attendance laws.
• (When a student has accumulated 10 or more unexcused absences and do not show attendance improvement.) Disciplinary action may be taken by the school.

Tardies and late arrivals

• Any student arriving 20 minutes or more late to school must sign in at the front kiosk and must obtain a pass to enter class.
• Student’s are counted absent after arriving 20 minutes late to 1st, 2nd, and 4th period. For 3rd period only, a student is counted absent when arriving 10 minutes or more late to class.
• Proper documentation must be submitted to the attendance office to be considered as an excused absence otherwise, the absence will remain unexcused.
• The attendance office does not keep tardies. All teachers document their own tardies for each class period.

Signing out your student

Safety is extremely important for us therefore the following is required when a student leaves campus.

• All students are to be signed out at the front kiosk.
• Students may not sign themselves out.
  Note: (Only those students who are 18 before the school year started are allowed to sign themselves out.)
• Students will only be released to parents or person listed on the student’s contact list. If anyone else is sent and is not listed on the student’s information, the student will not be released unless you have contacted the attendance office to make proper arrangements.
• Driver’s License is required to sign out student. No exceptions.
• Any student leaving prior to the last 20 minutes of class is considered absent. This is in compliance with the State of Texas 90% attendance regulation. A note will be required to excuse any class time missed.

Parent Notifications

Upon students missing one or more periods during the day, the school notifies parent in the following manner:

• Phone master (computerized calling system) – calls each day after 6 p.m. and will leave a message on phone number listed as home number.
• Warning letter mailed to address listed on student’s information after 3 unexcused absences.

Important: Please make sure that notes are turned in to the attendance office for any absences. Students who have absences and have not submitted proper notes within the time allowed will have unexcused absences on their attendance record.

Assignments

Assignments may be requested by the parent for a student who will be absent 4 or more days due to illness and may be picked up in the attendance office. Parents may contact the teachers directly through the NGHS website for any other assignments.

TEA Forms

Students cannot receive a TEA form, required for a Texas driver’s permit/license, if they have excessive absences. TEA forms can be requested in the attendance office and must be requested by the student and require 24 hour notice for pick up. Please plan accordingly.

Communication

Communication is an important part of your student’s attendance. If you have any questions regarding attendance, please contact North Garland High School Attendance.

Attendance
Lesa Pentlin (ext 61009)
LLPentli@garlandisd.net

(972) 675-3120
Fax (972) 675-3145