Missing school: what’s excused and what isn’t

Students+that+miss+part+of+a+day+or+several+days+must+put+their+absence+documentation+in+this+bin+located+on+the+attendance+counter+in+the+front+office.+

Neha Perumalla

Students that miss part of a day or several days must put their absence documentation in this bin located on the attendance counter in the front office.

Kennedy Williams, WTV Staff Reporter

The start of a new school year brings questions about attendance as students are required to attend a class at least 90 percent of the days the class is offered in order to receive credit for that class.

However, there are cases in which a student can miss a class and have it excused. 

Among the events that can be an excused absence:

  • Being sick
  • Documented doctor or dentists appointments
  • Religious holy days
  • Required court appearances
  • College visits

Students must have a written note or email signed by a parent/guardian explaining their reason for absence within three days of their return to school.

If a student is absent for personal illness for more than four days, the student must provide an official statement from a physician or health clinic that verifies their absence and a student must receive approval from principal Ashley Rainwater for a college visit.

In addition to providing a valid email or note concerning their absence, a student is also required to complete any make-up work based on the policies of each class that he or she missed.

Meanwhile there are absences that are unexcused such as non-school related vacations and trips, work, and non-school sponsored athletic events and programs.

Students must note that both excused and unexcused absences count towards the ninety percent attendance policy.

If the student fails to meet this requirement by missing five days of any class period or 10 school days total, the student has the option of either attending Saturday school or detention prior to the end of the semester to gain credit for the class or classes in question.

If a student then fails to attend the necessary summer school or detention, he or she will not receive credit for the class or classes missed.

Students, parents, and guardians can get more information on the Frisco ISD site.