A student, by state guidelines, is required to be in class no less than 90% of the class time per semester. If a student misses 10% or more of a class per semester, a student will receive no credit for the class. This applies to BOTH excused and unexcused absences. Students with an NG at the end of the semester will need to complete a credit appeal to receive course credit. Submitting notes after an absence is important as they help in the appeal process. Read more about this updated 90% policy here.

Students who have been absent or tardy must bring a note from the parent or guardian within 3 days of returning to school.  Failure to bring a note will result in an unexcused absence.  If a student is absent for more than 5 consecutive days, a note from a doctor is needed.  If excuse notes are turned in for a previous grading cycle that has ended, they will not be accepted.  Parents may also fax the note to 713-746-5211 or email them to pperez6@houstonisd.org.  The note should contain the following information:

·         Student’s full name and ID#
·         Date of absence
·         Reason for absence
·         Parent/Guardian name and signature
·         Phone number(s) where parent/guardian can be reached.

Students arriving late to school must report to the office with a note in the same format as above. 

Excuses for absences and tardies are:

·         Personal illness
·         Illness or death in the family
·         Quarantine
·         Weather or road conditions making travel dangerous
·         Participation in school activities with permission of the principal
·         Emergencies or any unusual circumstances recognized by the principal

Doctor or dentist visits will not count as absences as long as the student brings in an official doctor’s note the same day of the visit and has attended school for any part of the day.