Student/Parent Handbook & Code of Conduct - Waller ISD - Website

Waller Independent School District2012-2013 Parent/Student Handbook & Code of ConductAttendance & AbsencesAbout AbsencesStudents are required by state law to be in attendance for at least 90 percent of the days a class isoffered per semester in order to receive credit for the classes in which they are enrolled. A student whois in attendance for at least 75 percent, but less than 90 percent, may have credit restored if the studentcompletes a plan approved by the principal that provides for the student to meet the instructionalrequirement of the class.If a student accumulates a sufficient number of excused or unexcused absences to be unable to meetthe per semester requirement, a recommendation may be made by the principal or designee to theschool attendance committee to deny the student credit for that class for that semester.Upon being notified of the recommendation to deny their child credit, a student’s parent/guardian mayrequest a hearing before the school attendance committee to present information regarding why theirchild’s absence should not result in loss of credit. This request must be made in writing within fiveschool days of receipt of notification. The attendance committee may find that denial of credit isappropriate or that the parent has presented compelling evidence that their child should not be deniedcredit.Absences documented and verified for the following reasons will be classified as excused:‣ Personal illness‣ Illness or death in the family‣ Medical or dental appointments‣ Weather or road conditions making travel dangerous‣ Religious or holy day observance‣ Court-ordered or legally related absence‣ Other unusual causes acceptable to the principal‣ Pre-approved scheduled college visits for juniors and seniors (two per year)Absences for reasons other than those listed above will be considered unexcused.A student absent from school shall provide a note that describes the reason for the absence. The noteshall be signed by the student’s parent or guardian. If the student is 18 or older and/or has beendeclared by a court to be an emancipated minor, the student may sign in place of a parent or guardian.Parents should notify the attendance office on the day of the student’s absence to report the reason forthe absence. You may receive a phone call from school personnel verifying your child’s absence.A student will not be counted absent for a documented appointment with a doctor, dentist or otherhealth care professional if the student attends school at any time on the day of the appointment.The student must have a note from the health care provider when they return to school.When notifying the school in writing, the note signed by the parent must contain the followinginformation:‣ the student’s first, last name and grade;‣ the date(s) of the absence;‣ the reason for the absence (example: the student had the flu, a court appearance); and‣ the parent’s daytime telephone number.Page 31 of 84