Handbook - Midlothian ISD

• The committee will consider the acceptability and authenticity of documented reasonsfor the student’s absences.• The committee will consider whether the absences were for reasons over which thestudent or the student’s parent could exercise any control.• The committee will consider the extent to which the student has completed allassignments, mastered the essential knowledge and skills, and maintained passinggrades in the course or subject.• The student or parent will be given an opportunity to present any information to thecommittee about the absences and to talk about ways to earn or regain credit.The student or parent may appeal the committee’s decision to the District’s Board ofTrustees by filing a written request with the Superintendent in accordance with policyFNG.The actual number of days a student must attend in order to receive credit will depend onwhether the class is for a full semester or for a full year and by how many days are in thesemester.When a student must be absent from school, the student—upon returning to school—must bring a note, signed by the parent, that describes the reason for the absence. A notesigned by the student, even with the parent’s permission, will not be accepted unless thestudent is 18 or older. Documentation explaining absences must be original, not faxes orcopies, and must be received within 48 hours of the student’s return to school.Procedures for Reporting and Documenting AbsencesIf a student is unable to attend school, parents are asked to use the following procedure toreport and document the absence:• Telephone or email the Attendance Office by 10:00 a.m. each day that the studentis absent and inform an attendance clerk that the student will not be in school, or• Send a brief note within two (2) school days of the student’s return to school tothe Attendance Office including the following information: the full name of thestudent, the date(s) that the student was absent, the reason for the absence, and thesignature of the parent. Example: Jane Doe was absent on September 25, 2004,because she was ill.Please note:• Absences will be marked as unexcused if notes are received more than two (2)school days after the student returns to school.• Students who are in violation of the state 90% attendance requirement in any oftheir classes during the current semester must have a doctor’s note to excuse anyfurther absences from school.- 41 -