Montgomery ISD
Elementary Attendance Update August 2022
Attendance Matters!
The Montgomery Independent School District is excited about the 2022-2023 school year! We are looking forward to your partnership in educating your child. Success happens when all stakeholders (student, parent, and school) work together and support each other.
One of the most, if not THE most, important aspect of your child’s education is to attend school each day. Attendance is not only important; it is required by law. Texas Education Code (TEC) 25.085, in part, says that children are required to attend each school day for the entire period the program of instruction is provided. For elementary students in MISD, that is from 8:15AM to 3:40PM. TEC 25.092 states, students are required to attend school no less than 90% of the days school is in session in order to receive credit for attendance and to be promoted to the next grade level.
It is important to note that the Texas Education Code mentioned above also includes “parts of days”. When students consistently arrive late to school, and/or get picked up early from school, not only are they missing valuable instruction time, it is also disrupting the learning of others. While appointments and other emergencies are understandable, we strongly encourage you to keep these to a minimum. The BEST option is for your child to be in school the entire day each day school is in session.
While perfect attendance is something to strive for, it is understood that absences will likely occur. It is extremely important for those absences to be minimal, and when they do happen, it is an expectation that the parent notifies the school, in writing, as to the reason why the absence occurred. Written notice of an absence is due within 48 hours of the last date of the absence. Communication received after 48 hours will not be accepted.
If you have any questions or concerns about your child’s attendance, please communicate with your campus registrar or your campus administration. We welcome your communication and involvement in your child’s education, and we look forward to working with you on another successful school year in Montgomery ISD!
What happens when your child starts accumulating absences?
· At two consecutive absences, the child’s teacher will contact the parent/guardian by phone.
· At four consecutive absences, the parent/guardian will receive a phone call from the counselor.
· At five cumulative absences, a letter explaining state attendance laws will be sent home, and the Assistant Principal will contact the parent/guardian by phone for a conference.
· At eight unexcused absences, an Attendance Improvement Plan (AIP) will be created. This will involve the parent/guardian, the child, and campus administration. The AIP will clearly outline the expectations for attendance requirements specific to the child.
· At ten unexcused absences, the District’s Truancy Officer with MISD PD will make a home visit, and the parent/guardian will receive a second letter explaining state attendance laws.
· Should a child reach fifteen unexcused absences, the parent/guardian will receive a citation from the MISD Truancy Officer and will be required to appear in front of a judge in Truancy Court.
· At eighteen+ absences, the child will be required to make up his/her missed seat time in accordance with the State’s 90% Rule.