Compulsory Attendance Notice
Compulsory Attendance Notice
Regular school attendance supports student learning, academic progress and success. Learn about Texas compulsory attendance requirements, absence documentation and Hutto ISD attendance procedures.
Regular school attendance is essential for students to make the most of their education, benefit from teacher-led and school activities, build on previous learning and grow as individuals. Absences may disrupt a student’s mastery of instructional material, so students and parents should make every effort to avoid unnecessary absences.
Who Is Required to Attend?
Compulsory attendance requirements vary based on a student’s age and enrollment status.
Between Ages 6 & 19
State law requires students between the ages of 6 and 19 to attend school, including applicable accelerated instruction programs, extended-year programs or required tutorial sessions, unless the student is legally exempt or otherwise excused.
Prekindergarten & Kindergarten
Students enrolled in prekindergarten or kindergarten are required to attend school and are subject to compulsory attendance requirements for as long as they remain enrolled.
Age 19 & Older
A student who voluntarily attends or enrolls after their 19th birthday must attend each school day through the end of the school year.
Failure to Comply with Compulsory Attendance
School employees are required to investigate and report violations of state compulsory attendance law. Unexcused absences from school, classes, required special programs or tutorials may result in disciplinary or truancy-related action.
Students Between Ages 6 & 19
Hutto ISD follows a progression of notifications and interventions when a student accumulates unexcused absences.
- 3 unexcused absences or parts of days within a four-week period: The school will notify the student’s parent or guardian as required by law.
- 6 unexcused absences within a six-month period: The parent and student, if age 12 or older, will be asked to meet with the principal and sign a Truancy Commitment.
- 9 unexcused absences within a six-month period: The school will notify the parent that truancy filings may begin after the next unexcused absence.
- 10 unexcused absences within a six-month period: Truancy filings will be initiated by the school in accordance with applicable requirements.
A court may impose penalties against a parent when a school-aged student is deliberately not attending school.
A complaint against the parent may be filed if a student is absent without excuse for 10 or more days or parts of days within a six-month period in the same school year.
If a student ages 12 through 18 incurs unexcused absences on 10 or more days or parts of days within a six-month period in the same school year, the district, in most circumstances, will refer the student to truancy court.
Students Age 19 & Older
If a student age 19 or older has more than five unexcused absences in a semester, the district may revoke the student’s enrollment. The student’s presence on school property after enrollment is revoked would be unauthorized and may be considered trespassing.
After a student age 19 or older incurs a third unexcused absence, the district will send the student a letter explaining that the district may revoke enrollment for the remainder of the school year if the student has more than five unexcused absences in a semester.
As an alternative to revoking enrollment, the district may implement a behavior improvement plan.
All Grade Levels
A student absent without permission from school, any class, required special programs such as accelerated instruction, or required tutorials will be considered in violation of compulsory attendance requirements and may be subject to disciplinary action.
Documentation After an Absence
When a student returns to school after an absence, written verification from a parent or guardian must be provided to the school attendance office within 48 hours of the student’s return.
Documented phone calls do not replace a written note. A faxed parent note or email is acceptable. Email notes will only be accepted when received from the parent email address on file with the school.
If written documentation is not received within 48 hours of the student’s return, the absence will remain unexcused.
Student’s first and last name
Grade and Student ID, if known
Date of absence
Reason for absence
Parent or guardian name
Parent or guardian contact information
Understanding Absences
Review the information below for additional guidance regarding excused absences, funerals and illness-related documentation.
Absence Clarifications
Excused absences include personal illness, weather or road conditions that make travel hazardous, or other unusual circumstances considered acceptable by the principal.
Unusual circumstances must receive prior approval from the principal.
Absences related to family vacations, family obligations or functions, or other non-emergency travel will not be excused.
Absences Due to Funerals
With prior approval, excused absences for funeral services are limited to three days for local funeral services and five days for out-of-state funeral services.
Absences beyond these limits will be entered as unexcused unless the principal exercises discretion.
Upon returning to school, the student must provide the relationship of the deceased to the student, dates missed, location of the funeral and a parent signature. Additional supporting documentation may also be submitted.
Doctor’s Note After an Illness
A student who is absent for more than three consecutive days because of personal illness must provide a statement from a doctor or health clinic verifying the illness or condition that caused the extended absence.
Without documentation, the absence may be considered unexcused and may count toward compulsory attendance violations.
If a student develops a questionable pattern of absences, the principal or attendance committee may require documentation from a doctor or health clinic to determine whether the absences will be excused or unexcused.
Questions about an absence?
Attendance circumstances can vary by student. Families with questions
about an absence or required documentation should contact their
student’s campus attendance office.