Parent Guide: Attendance Policies

 Attendance Matters at San Benito CISD

At San Benito CISD, we believe You Belong Here—and being here, every day, matters. Regular school attendance is not just required by law; it is one of the strongest factors in your child’s academic success.

Why Attendance is Important

• Learning builds daily. Missing school means missing lessons, class discussions, and important practice that cannot always be made up.

• Strong attendance = strong achievement. Studies show a direct connection between consistent attendance and higher grades, test scores, and graduation rates.

• School is preparation for life. Just like a job, showing up on time and being present builds responsibility and habits for future success.

Key Things Parents Should Know

• State Law: Children ages 6–19 must attend school every day it is in session unless excused by law.

• Excused Absences: Illness, doctor/dental visits (with note), religious holy days, court appearances, immigration or citizenship appointments, and certain family emergencies.

• Unexcused Absences: Vacations during school days, leaving early without documentation, or failing to provide a note within 5 school days will be marked unexcused.

• Warning Letters: Parents are notified after 3 unexcused absences; truancy prevention measures begin at that point.

• Excessive Absences: 10 or more unexcused absences in 6 months—or 3 in a 4-week period—may lead to truancy referrals, court action, or loss of course credit.

• The 90% Rule: To receive course credit or a final grade, students must attend at least 90% of class days (this applies to all absences, excused or unexcused).

How You Can Help

• Report absences daily to your child’s campus attendance office.

• Submit doctor’s or parent notes within 5 school days of the absence.

• Plan family vacations around scheduled school breaks.

• Encourage your child to be on time—tardies and early checkouts also impact attendance records.

• My Texas Public Schools Attendance Flyer English
• FEA(LEGAL)
• FEA(LOCAL)
• SBCISD Boad Policy FEA(LOCAL) - Non Attendance
• 24 - 25 Attendance Handbook .docx
• FINALAdmission2017_IncludeinDistrictStudentAccountingHandbook