CONNECTING THE DOTS
TOWARDS GRADUATION
Parents and Students
Working Together for
Success
PURPOSE
Solve problems that are keeping students from
getting to school everyday
 Show the connection between attendance and
academic success
 Parental involvement
 Learn about AISD , campus and community
resources
 Answer questions about Texas state law, truancy
filings and AISD policies

TEXAS COMPULSORY SCHOOL
ATTENDANCE LAW
(a) A child who is required to attend school under
this section shall attend school each school day
for the entire period the program of instruction is
provided.
 Unless specifically exempted by Section 25.086, a
child who is at least six years of age, or who is
younger than six years of age and has previously
been enrolled in first grade, and who has not yet
reached the child's 18th birthday shall attend
school.
 (c) On enrollment in prekindergarten or
kindergarten, a child shall attend school.

TEXAS ATTENDANCE LAW
Texas state law requires that all students
who have not reached their 18th birthday
must be in attendance 90% of the days a
class is offered.
Did you know?
Students with too many unexcused absences
may NOT be issued credit for their course(s)
even if they have a passing grade.
TRUANCY FILINGS
Austin ISD can file a complaint against a
parent/guardian in court if a student has 3
unexcused “days or parts of day absences”
within a 4-week period
 Part
of days-means arriving late (tardy) or
leaving before the end of the school day
 AISD
must file a complaint if a student has
10 or more absences during a six month
period

AISD TRUANCY FILINGS
• Truancy means “skipping class”
• Austin ISD can prosecute a student OR
parent/guardian in Travis County Court if a
student has:
• 3 unexcused “days or parts of day absences”
within one month
OR
• 10 unexcused “days or parts of day absences”
within a 6-month period
• Fines may be as much as $500.
• There is an appeal process.
WHEN IS AN ABSENCE EXCUSED?
Absences are excused IF the student was:
 Participating in an extracurricular activity
(Band, Field Trips, Sports, etc.)
 Spending time with a mentor
 Attending a MEDICAID Appointment
 Involved in court proceedings
 Involved in a Human Services appointment
 Observing a religious Holy Day
 Having a personal illness or doctor’s
appointment (with a doctor’s note)
 Or due to a reason that is pre-approved by
the Principal
MORE INFORMATION
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ABOUT ABSENCES
If a student is absent for a reason not on the
previous slide, it is “unexcused”
If a student has missed 50% of a class, he/she
will be counted absent
A written note is required for ALL absences and
must be turned in to the Attendance Clerk NOT
the teacher, located in the main office within 2
days
If a student is out sick for 3 or more days, a
doctor’s note is required
A parent, sibling, or student’s child illness is
NOT an excusable absence
TARDIES

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Tardy means arriving to class after the bell has
rung
Consequences for tardies are handled by
school administration
WAYS AISD COMMUNICATES
WITH PARENTS
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Teachers may call you with concerns
about your student
The “Messenger” automated phone
system sends messages to your phone
every time your child is absent from
school
AISD Central Office sends home a
letter when you child has 3 or more
absences
IMPROVING SCHOOL-PARENT
COMMUNICATION
If you have not received any phone calls from
teachers or the school about your child’s
absences
OR
If you have not received letters or progress
reports in the mail from the school
THEN
THE SCHOOL NEEDS YOUR UPDATED
INFORMATION!
Please give a current light bill and current phone
number(s) to the Attendance Clerk!
WHAT TO DO IF…
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Your student has failing grades,
attendance or behavior problems:
Call the teacher to schedule a
parent/teacher conference in his/her
conference period
You get an AISD attendance letter:
Go to the school & talk with the
Attendance Clerk
You get a notice of court filing:
Go to the school & ask to talk with the
Dropout Prevention Specialist or
appropriate staff member
WHEN IN DOUBT . . . GO TO THE SCHOOL!!!!
WHO CAN HELP ME…
Teacher
 Teacher Aides
 Assistant Principal
 Principal
 Attendance Clerk/
Office Staff
 Nurse
 Parent Support Specialist

o Social Service Specialist (SSS)
o Child Study Team
o After School Programs
o Homebound Services
o Dropout Prevention
Specialist
o Communities In Schools
(CIS)
PARENT CONNECTION

Internet-based program that will let parents see:
 Kindergarten – 2nd Grade:
Attendance
 Report Cards
 Calendar


3rd Grade – 12th Grade:
Assignment
 Grades
 Attendance
 Report Cards
 And more…
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For more information, contact the Parent Connection
Facilitator at your child’s school.
https://gradespeed.austinisd.org/pc/