Taking
Taking Care of Business
Business
Parents Taking Control of Their Student’s Success
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Purpose
• Solve problems that are keeping students from
getting to school everyday
• Show the connection between attendance and
academic success
• Learn about AISD and community resources
• Answer questions about Texas state law and
AISD policies
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Texas Law
Truancy Filing
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.
(see School Attendance Matters on page 4)
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THERE ARE MANY REASONS FOR YOUR CHILD TO BE IN SCHOOL EVERYDAY, ON TIME.
MOST IMPORTANTLY, EVERY MINUTE HE/SHE IS OUT OF CLASS, YOUR CHILD IS MISSING
OUT ON IMPORTANT LEARNING TIME. THERE ARE ALSO LEGAL REASONS FOR YOUR
CHILD TO BE IN SCHOOL.
WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW ABOUT SCHOOL ATTENDANCE
EXCUSED ABSENCES FOR COMPULSORY SCHOOL
ATTENDANCE - AISD POLICY FEA (LEGAL)
• Religious Holy Days
• Court Appearances
•Citizenship Proceedings/Naturalization for student
•Election Clerks
•Health-Care
•Campus Visits (reference policy for details)
•TAPS at a Military Funeral
•Other Excused Temporary Absences (Speak w/ Principal)
•Special Education Matters (reference policy for details)
• Military Dependents (reference policy for details)
ACCORDING TO TEXAS COMPULSORY
ATTENDANCE LAW:
•Austin ISD can file a complaint against a parent/guardian
in court if a student has 3 or more unexcused “day or part
of day absences” within 4 weeks.
•Austin ISD must file a complaint against a
parent/guardian in court if a student has 10 or more
unexcused “day or part of day absences” within six
months.
REMINDERS:
•Written notes for absences are required and should be
provided within 2-days upon returning to school (FEC
Regulation).
•A student who does not attend school due to illness of a
sibling, parent, guardian or other relative will not be eligible
for an approved excuse under State Compulsory School
Attendance law
•Compulsory School Attendance applies to all AISD
students in grades Pre-K through 12th
HELPFUL TIPS:
•Notes are to be given to Attendance Specialists, not
Teachers
•Remember that every school opens early and it’s better to be
early than it is to be late.
MYTH BUSTER
Three tardies do not
equal one absence.
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FOR QUESTIONS OR MORE INFORMATION, CONTACT YOUR SCHOOL’S ATTENDANCE OFFICE
OR THE AUSTIN ISD OFFICE OF DROPOUT & TRUANCY PREVENTION AT 414-2094 OR 414-0201
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Common absences or part of day
absences that are not excused
• Parent appointments (doctor, Health and
Human Services, etc)
• Waking up late
• Traffic
• Car trouble
• Bad weather
• Vacations
• Child custody issues
• Work issues
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AISD Attendance Information
What parents need to know
1.
Children need to be in class by 7:45 AM.
2.
The bell rings at 7:45 AM.
3.
If your child eats breakfast at school, please
make sure they’re at school by 7:15 AM.
4.
If your child does not eat breakfast at school,
he/she should be aware of where they go in the
morning.
5.
Campus staff is on duty to assist your child in
getting to class on time.
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QUIZ TIME!
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What time does the
morning bell ring in
elementary school?
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7:45
am
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What Parents Need To Know
•
If your student is late or absent, make sure a note
is turned in to the attendance clerk, NOT the
teacher. A box for excuse notes is on the
bookshelf in the office.
•
Absences should be excused if you have a note
from a doctor or for other pre-approved reasons
•
Please communicate with your child’s teacher
concerning any work they may have missed.
•
Virginia Cortez is Joslin Elementary’s
Attendance Clerk. She can be reached at 4142094.
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Child Study Teams
In the event that your child’s attendance and/or
tardiness does not improve, you will be invited to a
Child Study Team meeting.
Various school staff (principal, counselor, teacher,
nurse) and family members meet to discuss ideas
that teachers, students and parents can use to
improve:
Attendance
Academics
Behavior
(Child Study Teams can also assist with social service
information like medical, clothing, and housing resources.)
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District Resources
• School to Community Liaisons (SCLs)
• Behavior Specialists
• After School Programs
• Homebound Services
• Parent Support Office
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Parent Connection
• Internet-based program that will let parents see:
 Kindergarten – 2nd Grade:
• Attendance
• Report Cards
• Calendar
 3rd Grade – 6th Grade:
•
•
•
•
•
Assignment
Grades
Attendance
Report Cards
And more…
For more information about Parent Connection, contact
Dora Flores at 414-2094 or at dflores@austinisd.org
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Ombudsman
Assists parents and the community in resolving
problems, complaints, conflicts and other
school-related issues.
Confidential
limited to persons authorized to use information, documents, etc.
Impartial
not biased; fair
Informal
without formality; casual
Independent
not subject to another's authority or jurisdiction; free
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Contact the Ombudsman
• District Ombudsman Contact Information
1111 W. Sixth Street, A-230
Austin, TX 78703
Phone: 512.414.9876
Fax: 512.414.9962
Ombudsman@austinisd.org
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If You Receive An Attendance Letter
(Have questions, do not agree or need help)
Take the following steps:
1st Speak with your campus’ attendance clerk
2nd Assistant Principal if the concern is not resolved then
3rd Speak with the campus Principal
4th Central Office Administrative Staff:
Ombudsman
Associate Superintendent
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Required Assignment
•
Review page 4 and page 5.
•
Complete the attached form and turn in to
Mrs. Cortez in the front office within 3 school
days.
Thank you for taking the time to view this
presentation.
A good start to the school day is essential for all
students, and being on time is an important part of
a good beginning.
•
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