Starting today, we're sending out messages if your child misses school. These messages will come through calls, texts, or ParentSquare notes. Remember, you may also view all of your child's absences through Skyward.
Previously, there has been some confusion regarding our attendance policy. We are working to simplify and clarify attendance rules in accordance with state law.
|
A parent or doctor’s note is required for ANY absence that is not school-related within 3 days of returning to school.
If your child is running late, they will be marked tardy, but we still want your child here! Every minute of learning is essential.
If your child has an appointment (not related to a contagious illness), bring them to school before and/or after when possible. This is a temporary absence and is EXEMPT from the 90% rule. Don't forget a note!
If you repeatedly pick up your child early for non exempt reasons, you may be referred for truancy. Every minute of school matters!
|
Texas law requires that students in grades K-12 must attend class for 90 percent of the time to receive credit or a final grade.
*If your child is absent due to an illness, the absence is considered nonexempt from the 90% rule. However, this is where communication and documentation are important.
Submit a parent or a doctor’s note when your child is absent due to illness.
If they're often not feeling well, it's a good idea to talk to a doctor about it.
If your child is referred to an attendance committee because they fell below the 90% attendance rule, the illness documentation you provide will be considered.
|
How and when do I submit a note?
Snyder ISD requires all students who have been absent from school to submit a parent or doctor’s note explaining their absence within 3 days of returning to school. Supporting documentation may be requested when necessary. Late documentation will not be accepted.
Documentation may be submitted via:
Email
Snyder Primary (grades PreK-3) primaryattendance@snyderisd.net
Snyder Intermediate (4-5) intermediateattendance@snyderisd.net
Snyder Junior High (6-8) jhattendance@snyderisd.net
Snyder High School (9-12) shsattendance@snyderisd.net
Through ParentSquare
To the campus attendance office
Late documentation will not be accepted.
When should I keep my child home?
Children must be fever free for 24 hours without the use of fever-free medications, before returning to school.
Children must be episode free of vomiting/diarrhea for 24 hours before returning to school.
If your child comes to school the very next day after being sent home, we will call for them to be sent home, since it has not been a full 24 hours.
If your child has COVID, TEA states students may return after the 5 day period if they have not had any symptoms for at least 24 hours without the aid of medication.
Note: If your child frequently complains of headaches, stomachaches, and/or does not feel well, it is advisable to talk to your doctor. Learn more here: https://www.snyderisd.net/page/student-health-wellness
What about make up work?
A student will be responsible for obtaining and completing the makeup work in a satisfactory manner and within the time specified by the teacher. A student who does not make up assigned work within the time allotted by the teacher will receive a grade of zero for the assignment.
Students who miss school for school-related reasons have the responsibility of seeing the teacher beforehand for assignments.
It’s important to communicate with the teacher(s) as soon as possible to verify expectations for make up work submission.
What if my child has a healthcare appointment?
If a student must be checked out of school for a Medical/Dental Appointment or an exempt event, the parent/guardian must sign out the student in the Attendance Office and show valid photo identification before leaving campus with the student. Students who are present for part of the day who leave for a medical/dental appointment will be counted as present for the portion of the day they are in school. Submit the note from the healthcare provider with 3 days of returning.
How will I be notified if my child’s absence?
ParentSquare notifications (phone call, text, and email) will be sent to the contact information on file for any absence (school-related absences coded and entered the day before will not generate a notification).
3rd-4th Absence: call from PEIMS
5th Absence: letter sent home
6th Absence: call from AP
7th Absence: call/meet with AP
8th Absence: parent meeting with principal
9th Absence: parent meets with principal, letter mailed home
10th Absence: turned over to truancy officer
What should I do if I receive a compulsory attendance warning letter in the mail?
The compulsory attendance warning letter is required by state law to make parents/guardians aware the student has accrued 3 or more nonexempt absences and to inform them of the consequences that could result if a student accumulates an excessive number of nonexempt absences. If you feel these nonexempt absences are in error, please contact your school's attendance office immediately. Remember, you may at any time view all of your child's absences through Skyward.
What should I do if I receive a 90% attendance letter?
When a student falls below or is in danger of falling below, 90 percent attendance based on exempt and nonexempt absences, the parent/guardian will receive a warning notification from the school with instructions to contact the school for a parent conference. If the absences are greater than 75 percent but less than 90 percent, the student will be asked to complete a plan approved by the school's principal that provides for the student to meet the instructional requirements of the class.
What is the difference between the 90% rule and the truancy code?
In order to receive credit or a final grade for a class, a student must be in attendance at least 90% of the days the class is offered. This "90% rule" includes ALL absences. However, if a student fails to attend school on 10 or more days or parts of days within a six-month period in the same school year, the student may be subject to referral to a truancy court and the student’s parent or person standing in parental relation may be subject to prosecution for “Parent Contributing to Nonattendance” under Texas Education Code Section §25.093.
What can you do if your child falls below 90% compulsory attendance?
If the student drops below 90% attendance but attends class at least 75% of the days the class is offered, the student may earn credit for the class by completing a plan approved by the principal or campus attendance review committee which allows the student to fulfill the instructional requirements for the class.
If a student falls below the 75% attendance rate or has not completed the plan approved by the principal, the student will be referred to the Campus Attendance Review Committee and they will review the reasons for your student's absences, review performance, and determine if there are extenuating circumstances for the absences. If extenuating circumstances exist, the committee will develop a plan that will allow the student to regain credit or a final grade lost due to attendance. Each plan will be unique and based on individual students' circumstances.
The student or parent may appeal the Attendance Review Committee's decision to the building principal.
Remember, It is very important that you contact your son's or daughter's school immediately when they are absent from school--and even more important for you to encourage them to be in school, if possible, each and every day!