A MESSAGE FROM THE
PRINCIPAL
March 2016
ATTENDANCE REQUIREMENTS IN TEXAS SCHOOLS
New Boston ISD
Graduates will be:

Academically Prepared

Life-long Learners

Responsible Citizens

Appreciative of Diversity

Individuals of Strong
Character

Accountable for Own
decisions
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Committed to Personal
Growth

21st Century Learners
► Compulsory attendance
Good attendance is important for many reasons. Your students receive
the maximum benefit of education by being in school every day, and
numerous studies indicate a strong link between academic performance
and consistent attendance. Because attendance is so critical for the quality
of your students’ education, Texas has a Compulsory Attendance Law.
State law requires school children to attend school each day that
instruction is provided. The law applies to students ages 6-18.
There are some exceptions:
 Students enrolled in private or parochial schools.
 Students who are home-schooled.
 Students who are 17 years old and enrolled in a GED program.
 Students who are 17 years old and received a high school diploma
or GED.
► Excused Absences
Although perfect attendance is the goal, it’s not always possible. New
Boston High School is required to excuse a student’s absence for reasons
listed on state law, such as to:
 Observe a religious holy day
 Attend a required court appearance
 Serve as an election clerk
 Attend a healthcare appointment
 Visit college campuses
The Texas Education Code describes these reasons in greater detail and lists
additional statutorily excused absences.
New Boston High School has its own criteria for determining what else is
considered an excused absence. Generally, an absence may qualify as
excused in cases of:
 Personal illness
 Death of an immediate family member
 Medical treatment
PENALTIES FOR TOO MANY ABSENCES
Both the student and parent could be held accountable for unexcused
absences. Yes, even if your student is 16 years old and skips class without
you knowing, you are considered responsible.
New Boston High School
After too many unexcused absences, NBHS must notify the parent. A
compulsory attendance notification will be sent to the parent if a student has
unexcused absences on 10 or more days or parts of days within a six month
period or three days or parts of days with an excuse during a four week period.
Notice the law states “parts of days.” That means that leaving school early, or
arriving after the first bell has rung, even if the student attended for some of
the day, can count as an absence.
The compulsory attendance letter gives the parent notice that the student has
accumulated too many unexcused absences [and should not have any
Do it again and again. Consistency
makes the rain drops to create holes
in the rock. Whatever is difficult can
be done easily with regular
attendance, attention and action.
― Israelmore Ayivor
Contact:
Mark Schroeder
#1 Lion Drive
New Boston, Texas 75570
903.628.8551
[email protected]
www.nbschools.net
future absences] and gives the parent a chance to make corrections to the
student’s attendance record. If the student continues to miss school, the parent
may be subject to referral to a special truancy court. In addition, parents may
be fined if their student has additional unexcused absences.
90% Rule
In addition to the Compulsory Attendance Law, there is the 90% rule which
states that students must attend class for 90% of the time classes are offered
to receive credit for the class. If the student doesn’t meet this requirement, an
attendance hearing committee may grant the student credit depending on the
circumstances.
The student handbook explains what NBHS guidelines are on absences,
tardies, and making up missed school assignments and assessments.
Becoming familiar with the school’s policies will assist you in managing your
student’s attendance and missing too many days of school.
[Reference Texas Education Agency – Admission, Transfer, and Attendance or
correspondence regarding the 90 Percent Rule online]
IMPORTANT REMINDERS
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Spring Break – March 5 – March 13
One Act Play – Monday, March 21
UIL Academics – Thursday, March 24
Easter Break – Friday, March 25 – Sunday, March 27
English I EOC – Tuesday, March 29
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English 2 EOC – Thursday, March 31
EIGHT WAYS TO TAKE CONTROL OF STUDENTS’ TIME

Make a to-do list every day
Put the most important tasks at the top and tackle them first.

Keep your work
By keeping work with you, you can always pull it out to work on whenever you have extra time

Don’t be afraid to say No
If your friends ask you do hang out, remember the work first that must be completed for a deadline

Find your productive time
Learn when the best time that you are able to work and get you work completed easily – are you a morning or
night person?

Create a dedicated study time
Be sure that you set time in your day dedicated only to complete your work

Budget your time
Sit down and schedule each part of your day including school, extra-curricular, down time, and study time

Don’t get sidetracked
Our lives change constantly, but you must be diligent in maintaining a standard schedule

Get a good night’s sleep
Ensure that you are receiving the proper amount of rest