Students who arrive between one and fifteen minutes late for class are considered Tardy for that class. If they arrive sixteen minutes (or more) minutes late, they are considered Absent.
Each missed class constitutes an absence on a student’s attendance record. Exceptions to the rule include:
- Citizenship Application appointment – submit submission of verifying INS documentation
- Court appearances for which court documentation is submitted to the Attendance Office
- Religious holidays for which the proper form is completed and submitted to attendance office: Mission trips, church camps and conventions are not considered religious holidays. The REL Verification form is available in the attendance office and by clicking here:Religious Holiday Verification.pdf
- Doctor’s appointments IF the student attends school for any part of the day AND submits a doctor’s note verifying the appointment – The student must check in and/or out of school through the Attendance Office in order to establish documented proof they attended school part of the day.
- School sanctioned absences such as Extracurricular events, UIL events, field trips as designated by school administration
Absences affect final exam exemptions. In general, an average of 85 or higher with 2 or fewer absences, or a 90 or higher and 3 or fewer absences may qualify to be exempt from final exams. Please refer to the TWHS Exam Exemption Policy.
Excessive absences may result in make-up hours. Contact your student’s Assistant Principal for details.
Excessive absences can affect obtaining a Verification of Enrollment for the purpose of obtaining and renewing a driver’s license. Verifications of Enrollment are issued in the Grade Level Office.
A full explanation of Attendance policies can be found in the TWHS Student Handbook. Feel free to call for clarification or if the attendance office staff can be of service to you and your family.