Mesquite ISD

In Mesquite ISD, we believe that regular attendance is fundamental to a student's success and growth. We are committed to ensuring every student feels valued, supported, and included every day.

Consistent attendance not only allows students to actively engage with their education but also helps them establish routines, develop vital social skills, and build a strong academic foundation. It sets the stage for future success in both their educational journey and beyond. We encourage parents and guardians to partner with us in fostering a culture of punctuality and commitment, recognizing that every day in the classroom is an opportunity for growth and learning.

We understand that there are occasions when your child may need to be absent from school due to circumstances beyond your control. Life can be unpredictable, and we want to assure you that we are here to support both you and your child during such times.

Report all absences on the day the student will miss school by calling the attendance office.
If your child is absent due to one of the excused absence categories listed here you must submit documentation upon their return to school. The easiest way to do this is to take a clear photo of the document and email it to your child’s school email address. You can find each campus email address listed here.

Board Policy relating to attendance can be found in FEA (Legal) and FEA (local) as well as in the Student Handbook.

State law allows exemptions to the compulsory attendance requirements for the following activities and events, as long as the student makes up all work:

Religious holy days
Required court appearances
Appearing at a governmental office to obtain U.S. citizenship
Taking part in a US naturalization oath ceremony
Serving as an election clerk
Health-care appointments for the student or a child of the student, including absences related to autism services
Absences resulting from a serious or life-threatening illness or related treatment that makes a student’s attendance infeasible, with certification by a physician

For students in the conservatorship of the state:

An activity required under a court-ordered service plan; or
Any other court-ordered activity, provided it is not practicable to schedule the student’s participation in the activity outside of school hours.

For children of military families, absences of up to five days will be excused for a student to visit a parent, stepparent, or legal guardian going to, on leave from, or returning from certain deployments.

We understand that there are occasions when your child may need to be absent from school due to circumstances beyond your control. Life can be unpredictable, and we want to assure you that we are here to support both you and your child during such times.
- Report all absences on the day the student will miss school by calling the attendance office.
- If your child is absent due to one of the excused absence categories listed here you must submit documentation upon their return to school. The easiest way to do this is to take a clear photo of the document and email it to your child’s school email address. You can find each campus email address listed here.
Board Policy relating to attendance can be found in FEA (Legal) and FEA (local) as well as in the Student Handbook.
State law allows exemptions to the compulsory attendance requirements for the following activities and events, as long as the student makes up all work:
- Religious holy days
- Required court appearances
- Appearing at a governmental office to obtain U.S. citizenship
- Taking part in a US naturalization oath ceremony
- Serving as an election clerk
- Health-care appointments for the student or a child of the student, including absences related to autism services
- Absences resulting from a serious or life-threatening illness or related treatment that makes a student’s attendance infeasible, with certification by a physician
For students in the conservatorship of the state:
- An activity required under a court-ordered service plan; or
- Any other court-ordered activity, provided it is not practicable to schedule the student’s participation in the activity outside of school hours.
For children of military families, absences of up to five days will be excused for a student to visit a parent, stepparent, or legal guardian going to, on leave from, or returning from certain deployments.

Eligible Excused Absences for High School Students

a student who is 15 years of age or older may be absent for one day to obtain a learner license and one day to obtain a driver’s license (must provide documentation of visit to DPS for each absence and must make up missed work)
during the student's junior and senior year a student may miss up to two days per year to visit an institution of higher education accredited by a generally recognized accrediting organization
a student 17 years of age or older may be excused for up to four days during his or her enrollment in high school for activities related to pursuing enlistment in a branch of the U.S. Armed Services or Texas National Guard

- Absenteeism in the first month of school can predict poor attendance throughout the school year. Half of students who miss 2-4 days in September go on to miss nearly a month of school.
- Poor attendance can influence whether children read proficiently by the end of third grade or be held back.
- By 6th grade, chronic absence becomes a leading indicator that a student will drop out of high school.
- Research shows that missing 10 percent of the school, or about 18 days in most school districts, negatively affects a student’s academic performance. That’s just two days a month and that’s known as chronic absence.
- Irregular attendance can be a better predictor of whether students will drop out before graduation than test scores.
By prioritizing school attendance, you are setting your child up for a bright future filled with opportunities for growth, learning, and success. Your support in this area is invaluable in helping them reach their full potential.
1. Academic Progress: Regular attendance ensures your child doesn't miss out on vital lessons, discussions, and assignments. It allows them to keep up with the curriculum and build a strong academic foundation.
2. Social and Emotional Growth: Attending school provides opportunities for children to interact with peers, make friends, and develop important social skills like communication, teamwork, and conflict resolution.
3. Establishing a Routine: Regular school attendance helps instill a sense of discipline and responsibility in your child. It sets a routine that prepares them for future commitments and responsibilities.
4. Building Confidence and Self-Esteem: Active participation in classroom activities, presentations, and group projects boosts your child's confidence. Success in these areas can lead to increased self-esteem and a positive self-image.
5. Access to Support Services: Schools offer a range of support services, such as counseling, special education, and extracurricular activities. Regular attendance ensures your child can take full advantage of these resources.
6. Preparation for the Future: Consistent attendance establishes a strong work ethic, which is invaluable for future academic and professional success. It also lays the foundation for punctuality and commitment.
7. Legal Requirements: Parents/guardians are legally obligated to ensure their child attends school regularly. Adhering to these requirements not only avoids legal issues but also sets a responsible example.
8. Fulfillment of Curricular Requirements: Some subjects and courses have mandatory attendance policies. Missing too many classes can lead to academic penalties or even course failure.
9. Long-term Opportunities: Good attendance records are often considered by colleges, universities, and employers. They demonstrate reliability and dedication, which can open doors to future educational and career prospects.
10. Health and Well-being: Regular school attendance can act as an early indicator of any potential health concerns. It ensures that any issues are identified and addressed promptly, promoting your child's overall well-being
- Call or email the campus if you know in advance your child is going to be absent
- Contact your child's teacher or counselor if you have concerns about your child’s attendance or school performance
- Report all absences on the day the student will miss school by calling the attendance office
- If your child does not want to go to school, find out why and work with your school and child to address concerns
- If you notice your child is avoiding a particular class or is having a difficult time in one subject area, discuss this with your child and his/her teacher.
- Contact your child’s school for help if it is needed to support your child or family.
- Check your child's backpack or assist them in organizing the contents weekly.
- Keep a printed school year calendar in highly visible location so you can keep track all of the non-school days and holidays. (Try to schedule all appointments and vacations on days school is not in session)
- Make sure your child knows you do not approve of him/her being late or absent. Talk to your child about issues that may be making them late for school.
- Do not let your child persuade you into making an excuse for him/her. Don’t give up. Reward good behavior and take it one day at a time.