Documentation After an Absence

Documentation after an Absence (All Grade Levels)

Parents are encouraged to provide an explanation for ALL absences upon the student’s arrival or return to school. The absence note must signed by the parent or a doctor. The campus may accept a phone call from the parent but reserves the right to require a written note.

A note signed by the student will not be accepted unless the student is age 18 or older or is an emancipated minor under state law.

To maintain satisfactory attendance and the best chance of accomplishing academic growth and achievement,
all GISD campuses will accept a maximum of three (3) parent/guardian excuse notes per student, per semester.
Any other absences will require a doctor's note to excuse the absence. All absences will be marked as unexcused
until a written note is physically received from the parent within 5 days of the student’s absence - anything after
5 days will not be excused.

The campus will document in its attendance records whether the absence is excused or unexcused.

The district is not required to excuse any absence, even if the parent provides a note explaining the absence, unless the absence is an exemption under compulsory attendance laws.

Doctor’s Note after an Absence for Illness (All Grade Levels)

Within 3 days of returning to school, a student absent for more than 3 consecutive days because of a personal illness must bring a statement from a doctor or health clinic verifying the illness or condition that caused the absence. Otherwise, the absence may be considered unexcused and in violation of compulsory attendance laws.

Should the student develop a questionable pattern of absences, the principal or attendance committee may require a statement from a doctor or health clinic verifying the illness or condition that caused the absence to determine whether an absence will be excused or unexcused.

[See policy FEC(LOCAL) for more information.]