Attendance
District Attendance Policy
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It is a parent's responsibility to monitor their student's school attendance. This can be done by utilizing the district's Skyward Family Access. Boerne ISD sends automated notices via Skyward when a student is absent from school for one or more periods. Please ensure all contact information is up-to-date in Skyward to ensure communication. On the day of your student’s absence, you will receive a notification via phone call, text, or email even if the absence has been reported. Contacting parents and guardians of students who are not in class is an important measure undertaken by the District to ensure the safety of all of our students.
The Boerne ISD Student Handbook details Attendance and Absence guidelines and procedures.
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Absences that are not excused may result in disciplinary action.
All absences are considered unexcused, until the school receives a note or email documenting a valid reason for the absence. If the reason isn’t valid, the absence is still considered unexcused. If the note isn’t received within [##] days, the absence is considered unexcused. If a note is received within [##] days, the absence may be reclassified as excused. Unexcused absences are considered “unlawful absences” if the student is of compulsory school age.
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[School District Name] recognizes that there may be legitimate reasons for absences, such as illness, family emergencies, or religious observances. Parents/guardians are required to provide documentation to excuse absences. Documentation must be submitted within [##] of days after the absence occurs.
A student absence is considered excused under the following circumstances:
- Illness
- Family emergency
- Death of a family member
- Medical or dental appointment
- Pre-approved educational travel (not to exceed [##] days)
- Pre-approved religious instruction (not to exceed [##] hours/year)
- Bona Fide religious holiday
- Pre-approved tutoring exception (see Policy for details)
- Court hearing
- Dismissed from school by a school nurse or administrator
- Care provided by a licensed health care or therapy practitioner
- Parent deployed for or on leave from combat posting
- “Rare and extraordinary circumstances” approved by the Superintendent (this is very narrowly defined)
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Students who miss a significant number of school days, regardless of the reason, are considered chronically absent and may face academic and social challenges. [School District Name] is committed to working with families to address chronic absenteeism and support student success. We are committed to your child’s success and we are your partner. Together, we can set your student up for success!
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State law requires that students be in attendance for at least 90% of the time class is scheduled to meet to receive credit for that class. This includes both EXCUSED and UNEXCUSED absences.
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A student who is in violation of the 90% Attendance Law will NOT receive credit for the course. A student who receives No Credit (NC) in a course may regain credit status by completing an alternate attendance action plan set by their assistant principal. Students who receive a NO CREDIT are not eligible to receive the Verification of Enrollment (VOE) form required in order to receive a Texas Driver's License until they regain credit status.
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Regular attendance is key to your child’s success. Our attendance clerk records the official attendance time for elementary students at 10 AM and secondary students at 10:30 AM.
Why Attendance Matters
Attending school regularly and on time helps students reach their full potential, leading to greater achievements. By being present each day, children can fully benefit from their educational opportunities, setting them up for success both in and out of the classroom.
Academic Achievement
Students who attend school regularly are more likely to achieve academic success, graduate on time, and pursue higher education opportunities.
Social and Emotional Development
School provides a supportive environment where students can develop social skills, build friendships, and enhance their emotional well-being.
Future Success
Regular attendance instills valuable habits such as punctuality, responsibility, and commitment, which are essential for success in life.
Boerne ISD's Commitment
Clear Attendance Policies
We maintain clear and consistent attendance policies, emphasizing the importance of regular school attendance.
Supportive Environment
We strive to create a welcoming and supportive environment where students feel valued and connected.
Early Intervention
We identify and address attendance concerns early, working collaboratively with families to find solutions.
Community Partnerships
We collaborate with community partners to provide resources and support to families facing barriers to attendance.
Attendance Tips
Communicate with the school: If your child experiences challenges that affect their attendance, please reach out to the school for support and resources. We are your partner and here to help you however we can.
Encourage a love of learning: Foster a positive attitude towards school and learning by engaging in educational activities with your child at home. If there are areas where your child’s school or academic experience can improve, we encourage you to speak with your school principal or educator.
Establish a consistent routine: Ensure your child gets enough sleep, eats a healthy breakfast, and has ample time to prepare for school each morning. If you need help with providing meals for your child or are in need of transportation, please contact your child’s principal.
Schedule appointments outside of school hours: Whenever possible, schedule doctor's appointments, dental check-ups, and other appointments during non-school hours. Even missing a half day of school for an appointment can be disruptive to your child’s academic experience.
We believe strong partnerships between families and schools are essential for ensuring student success. By working together, we can create a culture of attendance where every student feels motivated and supported to attend school every day.