FAQs

  • Where can I find more information on HISD Policies?

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    Refer to the district website or follow this link Attendance Questions

     
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  • What constitutes an unexcused absence?

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    Per the Student/Parent Handbook: In determining if a student's absence will be excused by the school, the reason for each absence must be stated in writing, signed by the parent/guardian or health-care professional, and submitted to the school upon the student's return to school. If a student is absent from school for health reasons after the District has issued a Compulsory Attendance Warning Notice, the school may require a written note from a professional health-care provider in order for the absence to be excused. If a student fails to bring a note on the date the student returns to school, a temporary admission slip will be issued. The student has two days after his/her absence to bring an absence excuse. If no excuse is submitted, the absence will be regarded as a truancy."
     
    Excuses for an absence may include:
    - Personal Illness/Doctor Appointment
    - Death of a Family Member
    - Student Health Services; Family/Student Counseling Therapy Appointments
     
    In addition, for some types of absences, students are considered in attendance when supporting documentation is provided to the attendance office. These absences include health care appointments (when the student is in attendance for part of the day), religious holy days, court appearances, sounding taps at a military funeral, serving as an election clerk, application for citizenship, naturalization ceremony, and approved college visitation days. See the Student/Parent Handbook for more details on the required documentation for each of these.
     
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  • What should I do if I receive a compulsory attendance warning letter in the mail?

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    The compulsory attendance warning letter is required by state law in order to make parents/guardians aware the student has accrued 3 or more unexcused absences and to inform them of the consequences that could result if a student continues to accumulate an excessive number of unexcused absences. If you feel that these unexcused absences are in error, please contact your school's attendance office as soon as possible. Remember, you can at any time view all of your student's absences through the Home Access Center (HAC). It is very important that you contact your son's or daughter's school immediately when they are absent from school--and even more importantly, to encourage them to be in school, if possible, each and every day!

     
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  • Will I be notified if my child/children have an absence?

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    It is the responsibility of the parent or guardian to contact the school's attendance office as soon as possible when their student is absent from school. Additionally, most schools have a process in place for notifying parents by email, text or phone if the school has not already been contacted concerning the absence. However, parents and guardians can verify their son's or daughter's attendance at any time through the Home Access Center ( HAC ).
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