¡ Hola Halcones !
My name is Azucena Ramos and I am your Attendance Clerk at Lively Middle School. If you have an absence note to turn in, please take a picture or scan and email to me: azucena.ramos@austinisd.org. Please include your child’s name and student ID#. If your child continues to be ill and doctor note does not indicate other dates to be excused, please make a note letting us know they continue to be ill for the days they are out. If your child is on campus, they can stop by the main office and place their note in the attendance tray. Our front office hours are 7:30 a.m – 4:30 p.m. Please feel free to contact me should you have attendance questions at my direct line 512-414-3439 or email. Thank you!
Attendance Matters!
Every Day Counts! Student success begins with attendance. We know from research and experience that attendance boosts student achievement, educational experiences, and prepares students for college, careers and beyond.
Compulsory Attendance Law
The State of Texas requires that all students at least 6 years of age and not yet 19 attend school until they obtain a diploma. It is important that students attend school each day. There is a very strong connection between student attendance and academic performance in school. Therefore, when students miss class, they miss out on learning.
90% Rule
In addition to the Compulsory Attendance Law, there is the the 90% law. In order to receive credit for a final grade for a class, a student is required to attend class 90 percent of the days a class is offered regardless of whether the student’s absences are excused or unexcused. If the student does not meet this requirement, the student must go through the Attendance Recovery Process.
If the student drops below 90% but attends class at least at 75% of the days the class is offered, the student may earn credit for the class by completing a plan approved by the principal.
Credit Loss Defined
When students do not meet the 90% attendance rate in a class, it is reflected on their report cards as course credit denial. See flow chart for specific steps.
Some examples of absences that count against the 90% attendance law include, but are not limited to:
- family trips
- vacations
- attendance at non-school sponsored events
Based on state policy, the only absences that count as excused and do not count against attendance for credit fall under the categories below:
- Medical Appointment (student attends school most of the day)
- Holy Day as designated by the district (The form is available for download below)
- Court Appearance
- Citizenship
- Naturalization
- College Visit (high school)
- Playing Taps at a military event
- Board Approved Excused Absence
- School-related (UIL, Field Trip, ISS, Testing, Other campus event)
Illness
We do recognize, however, that perfect attendance is not always possible. Ill children should be kept at home to allow recovery and to keep other students from contracting the illness if contagious.
If your child is absent from all or part of a school day, the student—upon arrival or return to school—must bring a note or send in an email, signed by the guardian or health care professional that describes the reason for the absence.
