Lanier Family Engagement
January 2024
HAPPY NEW YEAR 2024
A Message from Dr. Ricky Flores, School Principal
Lanier High School Families, my hope is that each and every one of you had a Merry Christmas and a happy new year. This third and fourth quarter of school are very important as we prepare students for success in the each of their assigned classes as well as state testing which begins Tuesday, April 9, 2024. Parents, I need you to partner with us to ensure that your son/daughter are getting the necessary rest every school night. According to Kids Health (2023), "most teens need about 8 to 10 hours of sleep each night." Many high school parents often ask, "How can you ensure that your children get more sleep every night?" Below are 7 ways that you can support your son/daughter so that they can be prepared for learning:
Set regular bed and wake up times.
Exercise regularly.
Avoid caffeine.
Unwind by keeping the lights low.
Turn off electronics.
Don't nap too much.
Create the right sleeping environment
As we prepare for a successful last half of the school year, I am requesting your support with making sure that your son/daughter is in school every day. Our attendance goal as a campus is 90%. Since the start of this school year till Friday, December 15th, our average attendance has been 83%. Your son/daughter being in school every day is important. Your son/daughter should not miss more than three days of school between January and the end of this school year. Our teachers are working hard but they cannot prepare your son/daughter for state/certification exams when they are not in school every day. There have been times this school year when we have seen many empty desks as we visit classrooms, and this does not help us prepare your son/daughter for academic success. Every time your son/daughter is absent from school, they are marked absent 8 times because they are missing 8 different class periods. We need your children in school every day. Secondly, continue to have conversations with your son/daughter on the importance of being on their best behavior while at school. Every student at Lanier High School has a right to receive a quality education free from unnecessary distractions. I must share that overall; our students are doing much better than in years past and we are proud of them for that. Lastly, I am requesting that all families support me with checking your son/daughters' academic grades weekly. All students know how to check their grades on our Frontline system so ask them to do this for you if necessary.
Families, please know that you are always welcome and encouraged to contact your son/daughter's teacher(s), counselor, or grade level assistant principal for support. You are also welcome to message me anytime to rflores3@saisd.net. We are prepared to support your son/daughter socially as well as academically. Thank you for partnering with our high school so that your children have a much brighter tomorrow. Together, we will make miracles happen for all of our students. Go VOKS!
With gratitude,
Rick Flores, Ed.D.
Sidney Lanier High School Principal
San Antonio Independent School District
Contact Number: (210) 978-7910
We Value Your Feedback
Our administration, teachers, and staff aim to provide the best customer service to families. To better serve your family needs, please take a moment to complete the survey by clicking on the link below or scanning the QR code.
District Attendance Policy
It is imperative for students to be in school everyday to earn credits for the next grade or graduation. Please refer to the link above for more information regarding attendance policies.
Excused Absences
School districts are obligated to excuse a student's absence for certain reasons, such as:
- Observing a religious holy day that is recognized by the student's denomination as a day that must be observed by all members.
- However, church retreats, camps, mission trips and individual religious rites (such as baptisms, christenings, bar mitzvahs, etc.) are not considered holy days.
- Attending a required court appearance, provided that the student's name appears on the court summons.
- Serving as an election clerk.
- Completing paperwork required in connection with the student's application for U.S. citizenship at a governmental office.
- Participating in a U.S. naturalization oath ceremony.
- Sounding "Taps" at a military honors funeral held in Texas for a deceased veteran.
- Attending a healthcare appointment.
- Visiting college campuses, for juniors and seniors.
Additionally, an absence may be excused in cases of:
- Attending the funeral of an immediate family member.
- Seeing a doctor for an appointment.
- Participating in school-sponsored curricular or extracurricular activities.
Families/guardians are allowed to write up to eight (8) excused absence notes, per school year.
Unexcused Absences
Reasons that are not considered acceptable excuses for absenteeism from school include:
- Taking care of a sibling or parent
- Non-enrollment days
- Days the student is not in school due to changing schools
- Traveling out of town to visit relatives or vacationing with family
Consequences for excessive unexcused absences:
Parents are held accountable for unexcused absences, even if the child is 16 years old and skips class without the parent's knowledge.A compulsory attendance notification will be sent to the parent if a student has unexcused absences on 10 or more days or parts of days within a six-month period or three days or parts of days without an excuse during a four-week period. Note that "parts of days" includes leaving school early or arriving after the first bell has rung, even if the child attended for some of the day.
The attendance warning letter gives the parent notice that the student has accumulated too many unexcused absences and gives the parent a chance to make corrections to the child's attendance record.
If corrections are not made, a court warning will notify the parent of the potential for a case to be filed in a justice or municipal court or for the student to be referred to juvenile court. Parents may be criminally charged or fined if their child has another unexcused absence.
Course Credit Loss Defined
When students do not meet the 90% attendance rate in a class, it is reflected on their report cards as course credit denial.
College Readiness
Connect with College Bound Advisors
Attention Class of 2024 Students and Guardians,
In preparation for the 24-25 FAFSA opening in December 31st , the SAISD Post Secondary Department would like to share with you all the wonderful FREE TUITION PROGRAMS being offered in Texas for qualifying students. This means that your student has the opportunity to complete a Bachelor’s Degree at NO COST if they can qualify.
Please contact your High School’s College Bound Advisor for assistance in applying.
Mr. Albert Lopez alopez26@saisd.net
Mr. Manuel Maldonado mmaldonado6@saisd.net
Atención Clase de 2024 estudiantes y padres,
En preparación para la FAFSA 24-25 abiendo el 31 de diciembre, el Departamento de Educación Post Secundaria de SAISD desea compartir con ustedes todos los maravillosos PROGRAMAS DE MATRÍCULA GRATUITA que se ofrecen en Texas para estudiantes que califican. Esto significa que su estudiante tiene la oportunidad de completar una Licenciatura SIN COSTO si puede calificar.
Comuníquese con el asesor universitario de su escuela secundaria para obtener ayuda con la solicitud.
Mr. Albert Lopez alopez26@saisd.net
Mr. Manuel Maldonado mmaldonado6@saisd.net
Upcoming Events
January 9, 2024
On Tuesday, January 9th at 5:45 P.M. representatives from the SAISD Police department will present information on school safety, vaping, fentanyl, and state and district policies. In addition, SAISD Student Disability services will provide information on 504's, parent rights, and resources.
We hope you can join us for an evening of learning.
JANUARY 11, 2024 5:00-8:00 P.M.
The U.S. Department of Education has announced the opening of the new and updated Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) forms online by December 31, 2023. You may experience issues with the new form therefore, FAFSA workshops will be scheduled over the next couple of months to support students and families.
Please note, FAFSA applications are a graduation requirement. All 12th grade students must complete and submit the form by early March.
The first FAFSA workshop for families will take place on Thursday, January 11, 2024 between the hours of 5:00-8:00 P.M. in the college hub.
January 20, 2024 9:00 A.M.-12 Noon
Mujeres Con Confianza (MCC) is a grant funded program dedicated to educating community members on endometriosis, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and uterine fibroids.
The program aims to improve early diagnosis and treatment rates for Bexar County community members who are women between the ages of 18 and 45.
Participation in the program is free. All participants will receive an HEB gift card upon completion of the class. Classes will be offered in English and Spanish.
Seating is limited. Scan the QR Code or complete and submit the form below to reserve your spot.
January 31, 2024 5:30 P.M.
Senior Parent Night #3 is scheduled for January 31st at 5:30 P.M. Jostens will be on site to assist families with graduation invitations and cap and gown orders. Ms. Arce, C/O '24 sponsor will go over senior events planned for the Spring semester.
School Holiday January 15, 2024
Academic Support
Saturday, January 20th
Saturday, January 27th
Volunteer Opportunities
We welcome individuals that are interested in serving our school community. The Lanier Athletic Booster Club is currently recruiting volunteers to assist with concessions. You do not have to be a member of the club to volunteer. For more information, contact Ms. Yvonne Hernandez, Family and Community Engagement Specialist (FACE) and she will connect you with booster club officers.
To get started, click on the link below to submit a background check application.