School Attendance
Regular attendance is essential for all students to gain the academic and social skills they need to thrive. Absences from class may result in serious disruption to the mastery of the knowledge and skills needed to progress to the next grade. When students are chronically absent (missing 10% or more of the school year or 18 days over an entire school year), they are less likely to read proficiently by third grade, achieve in middle school and graduate from high school.
In addition to learning losses, students also lose opportunities to develop socially and gain skills in problem-solving and self-regulation, all of which are needed to grow and learn.
Ensuring children get to school every day provides opportunities for students to progress academically, develop socially, and pursue their passion and purpose. Students and parents must make every effort to avoid unnecessary absences.
Student attendance is regulated by Texas law, the Texas Education Code and FISD Board policies, including:
Students can be considered absent if they miss all or part of the school day, including late arrival and early pick-up. This includes all tardies.
Under Texas law, a student must be present for at least 90% of the time a class is offered. Students who don’t meet this requirement, regardless of the reason for the absence, will lose credit in the class. Completing a plan determined by the campus principal or attendance committee will be required to restore credit and avoid retention.