- Grand Prairie Independent School District
- Frequently Asked Attendance Questions
FREQUENTLY ASKED ATTENDANCE QUESTIONS
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What do I do if my child has to be absent from school?
When a student is absent, it is important to let the school attendance office know the reason for missing school. If contact is not made on the day of the absence, please send a signed note within 3 days to avoid an unexcused absence. Notes signed by students will not be accepted.
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What types of absences may be excused?
- Student illness or injury
- Family emergency
- Death of a family member
- Doctor’s appointments (medical, dental, vision) that cannot be scheduled before or after school hours
- Religious holy days
- Court appearances
Unexcused absences include but are not limited to:- Family vacations
- Oversleeping
- Skipping class
- Parent failing to excuse the absence with a note or call
- Appointments that are not legal or medical in nature
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What is the school/district’s responsibility regarding school attendance?
The District will make automated phone calls and send emails to parents notifying them when a student has been marked absent. It is the parent’s responsibility to ensure the information in Skyward is current and up to date.
For up-to-the minute attendance information, parents can view their student’s attendance record via Skyward Family Access.
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What should I do if I received a Warning Letter regarding my student’s attendance?
If you receive a warning letter, take steps to avoid future unexcused absences.
Contact your child’s school if extenuating circumstances beyond your control prevented your child from attending school.
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What if there is an error with my students Attendance?
If you have any concerns regarding the accuracy of your student’s attendance, contact the school’s attendance office. Detailed information regarding attendance can be found in the student/parent handbook on the district website.
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What is the parent/guardian’s responsibility?
We are sure you are aware of how important it is that your child receive a quality education. However, you may be unaware under the laws of the State of Texas it is your duty as the parent/guardian to monitor your child’s attendance and make sure he/she attends school each and every day, for the full instructional day. This also includes ensuring the student arrives to school on time, attends each class period and avoid as much as possible early releases/pick-ups from school unless there is an extreme emergency.
Legal Responsibilities:
If a student has been absent without excuse for three days or parts of days within a four-week period, the school district shall issue a Warning Letter to inform the parent,
(A) of their duty to monitor the student’s school attendance and require the student to attend school
(B) the student is subject to truancy prevention measures in addition to other statutory requirements in existence and a request for a conference between school officials and the parents will be scheduled to discuss the absences.
If a student is absent without excuse on 10 or more days or parts of days within a six-month period in the same school year, the district will file truancy court proceeding on parents/guardians and/or the student for violation of the Texas Compulsory Attendance Law.
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What are the laws governing school attendance?
The Texas State Compulsory Attendance Law, Section 25.085, requires all enrolled students to attend school on time, all day, every day school is in session.
Violation of the law occurs when students get unexcused voluntary absences for 10 or more days or parts of days within a six-month period.
Parents/students who violate the law may receive referral(s) for court proceedings. Students over the age of nineteen may be withdrawn by the school for excessive unexcused absences.