BROOKS COUNTY ISD TRUANCY INTERVENTION AND … · for attendance to determine if patterns of...

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BROOKS COUNTY ISD

TRUANCY INTERVENTION AND

PROCEDURES HANDBOOK

Brooks County Juvenile and Probation and Independent

School District Departments

Falfurrias, TX 78355

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BOOKS COUNTY INDEPENDT SCHOOL DISTRICT

P.O. Box 589

Falfurrias, TX 78355

Ph: 361-325-8000

Fax: 361-325-1913

Superintendent of Schools

Dr. Maria Casas

Principal of High School Principal of Junior High School

Mr. Richard Wright Dr. Cynthia Perez

Principal of Elementary School Principal of Lasater Elementary School

Mrs. Sandra Castillo Mrs. Louella Garcia-Cortez

By

Dr. Lorena A. Rosenbaum

July 2019

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OVERVIEW

The Truancy Intervention Procedures Handbook is compiled by Brooks County ISD and Brooks

County Juvenile Probation Department to provide relevant information on truancy laws, required

actions, and recommended strategies to address students with patterns of non-attendance.

Reducing chronic absenteeism is at the forefront of student attendance policies across the

nation. Not showing up for school matters; it generates an achievement gap that translates into

lower performance in standardized examinations, which may lead to dropping out of school. The

challenge for districts is to develop policies that include all relevant stakeholders that

identify and remove barriers that impede regular school attendance. The intent of the Truancy

Intervention Program referral process is to identify students with patterns of non-attendance to

provide escalating services that aim to reengage students and their families in the learning process

for greater academic achievement.

Chronically truants must be the subject of services to address patterns of nonattendance. To this

end, principals or school designees shall refer these students to the school’s committee responsible

for attendance to determine if patterns of truancy are developing.

The purpose of this manual is to guide administrators and staff on following a systematic

approach for attendance. The benefits of the system is to help reduce the number of student’s

absences and promote the importance of education. It is important to implement the information

within this manual in order improve the overall academic performance and attendance of

students.

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Table of Contents

ATTENDANCE ............................................................................................................................................ 5

TEXAS EDUCATION LAWS ..................................................................................................................... 6

Sec. 25.085. COMPULSORY SCHOOL ATTENDANCE. .................................................................... 6

Sec. 25.087. EXCUSED ABSENCES. ..................................................................................................... 6

Sec. 25.0915 Truancy Prevention Measures ............................................................................................. 8

BROOKS COUNTY TRUANCY POLICY ................................................................................................. 9

STUDENT-PARENT ATTENDANCE CONTRACT ............................................................................... 11

PERSONNEL REQUIREMENTS TABLE ................................................................................................ 13

TIMELINE .................................................................................................................................................. 15

EXCESSIVE ABSENCES NOTIFICATION WARNING LETTER 1 ..................................................... 17

FALFURRIAS LASATER and ELEMENTARY SCHOOL ..................................................................... 18

EXCESSIVE ABSENCES NOTIFICATION LETTER 2 ...................................................................... 19

Three Unexcused Absences Juvenile Probation Letter .................................. Error! Bookmark not defined.

EXCESSIVE ABSENCES NOTIFICATION WARNING 2(a) ................................................................. 20

Five Unexcused Absences Juvenile Probation Letter .................................... Error! Bookmark not defined.

EXCESSIVE ABSENCES NOTIFICATION FINAL WARNING ........................................................... 21

TRUANCY COURT REFERRAL FORM ................................................................................................. 22

Attendance Clerk ........................................................................................................................................ 25

Excessive Absence Call Form .................................................................................................................... 25

Truant Officer ............................................................................................................................................. 26


Principal/Assistant Principal ....................................................................................................................... 27


REFERRAL FORM .................................................................................................................................... 28

Parent/Guardian Conference ....................................................................................................................... 29

Excessive Absence Meeting Form .............................................................................................................. 29

ATTENDANCE HOME VISIT FORM ..................................................................................................... 30

Truancy Preventive Measures Checklist ..................................................................................................... 32

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF SATURDAY SCHOOL ........................... Error! Bookmark not defined.

REFERRAL TO SATURDAY ACADEMY SIGN ................................... Error! Bookmark not defined.

SATURDAY SCHOOL SIGN IN ............................................................. Error! Bookmark not defined.

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ATTENDANCE

THE IMPORTANCE OF ATTENDANCE

Brooks County School District’s objective is for students to attend school every day on time. To

meet this objective, we established the following goals:

1. Reduce chronic absence to 5 % of the students at every campus

2. Ensure that 85% of students attend school 95% of school days annually

3. Reach and average daily attendance rate of 97% at every school

Attending school has an enormous impact on a student’s academic success starting in

kindergarten and continuing through high school.

Currently 27 % of our students are chronically absent district wide due to excused and unexcused

absences. Chronic absenteeism is defined as a student has missed 10% of the academic year. On

average a student is missing 28 days out of the estimated 180 days of school. Attendance matters

from an early age due to the continuous development of each child.

PURPOSE

The high number of students who are chronically absent is of concern. The Attendance Plan is

the first step in helping reduce the absences.

This manual has been developed to assist school district personnel in developing a systematic

plan that align with the Federal, State, and the District’s attendance policies and procedures. The

manual provides general and procedural information, along with forms that may be utilized by

staff. The manual will serve as a:

1. Guide for implementing attendance policies

2. Reference for answering questions

3. Staff development tool

4. Resource guide

Regular school attendance is essential for a student to make the most of his or her education-

to benefit from teacher-led and school activities, to build each day's learning fro m the

previous day, as well as to grow as an individual. Absences from class may result in serious

disruption of a student's mastery of the instructional curriculum; therefore, the student and

parent should make every effort to avoid unnecessary absences.

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TEXAS EDUCATION LAWS

Sec. 25.085. COMPULSORY SCHOOL ATTENDANCE.

(a) A child who is required to attend school under this section shall attend school each school

day for the entire period the program of instruction is provided.

(b) Unless specifically exempted by Section 25.086, a child who is at least six years of age, or

who is younger than six years of age and has previously been enrolled in first grade, and who

has not yet reached the child's 19th birthday shall attend school.

(c) On enrollment in prekindergarten or kindergarten, a child shall attend school.

(d) Unless specifically exempted by Section 25.086, a student enrolled in a school district must

attend:

(1) an extended-year program for which the student is eligible that is provided by the

district for students identified as likely not to be promoted to the next grade level or

tutorial classes required by the district under Section 29.084;

(2) an accelerated reading instruction program to which the student is assigned under

Section 28.006(g);

(3) an accelerated instruction program to which the student is assigned under Section

28.0211;

(4) a basic skills program to which the student is assigned under Section 29.086; or

(5) a summer program provided under Section 37.008(l) or Section 37.021.

(e) A person who voluntarily enrolls in school or voluntarily attends school after the person's

19th birthday shall attend school each school day for the entire period the program of

instruction is offered. A school district may revoke for the remainder of the school year the

enrollment of a person who has more than five absences in a semester that are not excused

under Section 25.087, except a school district may not revoke the enrollment of a person under

this subsection on a day on which the person is physically present at school. A person whose

enrollment is revoked under this subsection may be considered an unauthorized person on

school district grounds for purposes of Section 37.107.

(f) The board of trustees of a school district may adopt a policy requiring a person described by

Subsection (e) who is under 21 years of age to attend school until the end of the school year.

Section 65.003(a), Family Code, does not apply to a person subject to a policy adopted under

this subsection. Sections 25.093 and 25.095 do not apply to the parent of a person subject to a

policy adopted under this subsection.

(g) After the third unexcused absence of a person described by Subsection (e), a school district

shall issue a warning letter to the person that states the person's enrollment may be revoked for

the remainder of the school year if the person has more than five unexcused absences in a

semester.

(h) As an alternative to revoking a person's enrollment under Subsection (e), a school district

may impose a behavior improvement plan described by Section 25.0915(a-1)(1).

Sec. 25.087. EXCUSED ABSENCES.

(a) A person required to attend school, including a person required to attend school under

Section 25.085(e), may be excused for temporary absence resulting from any cause

acceptable to the teacher, principal, or superintendent of the school in which the person is

enrolled.

http://www.statutes.legis.state.tx.us/GetStatute.aspx?Code=ED&Value=25.086










http://www.statutes.legis.state.tx.us/GetStatute.aspx?Code=FA&Value=65.003





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(b) A school district shall excuse a student from attending school for:

(1) the following purposes, including travel for those purposes:

(A) observing religious holy days;

(B) attending a required court appearance;

(C) appearing at a governmental office to complete paperwork required in

connection with the student's application for United States citizenship;

(D) taking part in a United States naturalization oath ceremony;

(E) serving as an election clerk; or

(F) if the student is in the conservatorship of the Department of Family and

Protective Services, participating, as determined and documented by the department,

in an activity:

(i) ordered by a court under Chapter 262 or 263, Family Code, provided that

it is not practicable to schedule the participation outside of school hours; or

(ii) required under a service plan under Subchapter B, Chapter 263, Family

Code; or

(2) a temporary absence resulting from an appointment with health care professionals for

the student or the student's child if the student commences classes or returns to school on

the same day of the appointment.

(b-1) A school district may adopt a policy excusing a student from attending school

for service as a student early voting clerk in an election.

(b-2) A school district may excuse a student from attending school to visit an

institution of higher education accredited by a generally recognized accrediting

organization during the student's junior and senior years of high school for the

purpose of determining the student's interest in attending the institution of higher

education, provided that:

(1) the district may not excuse for this purpose more than two days during the student's

junior year and two days during the student's senior year; and

Students are allowed three parent/guardian excuses per semester (6 total for the year).

However, absences regardless if they are excused impact the ability to receive credit.

Sec. 25.092. MINIMUM ATTENDANCE FOR CLASS CREDIT OR FINAL GRADE. (a)

Except as provided by this section, a student in any grade level from kindergarten through grade

12 may not be given credit or a final grade for a class unless the student is in attendance for at

least 90 percent of the days the class is offered.

(a-1) A student who is in attendance for at least 75 percent but less than 90 percent of the

days a class is offered may be given credit or a final grade for the class if the student completes a

plan approved by the school's principal that provides for the student to meet the instructional

requirements of the class. A student under the jurisdiction of a court in a criminal or juvenile

justice proceeding may not receive credit or a final grade under this subsection without the

consent of the judge presiding over the student's case.

http://www.statutes.legis.state.tx.us/GetStatute.aspx?Code=FA&Value=262



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Sec. 25.0915 Truancy Prevention Measures

A school district shall adopt truancy prevention measures designed to

1. Address student conduct related to truancy in the school setting before the student

engages in conduct described by section 65.003

2. Minimize the need for referrals to truancy court for conduct described by section

65.003.

3. As a truancy prevention measure under subsection (a), a school district shall take one

or more of the following actions:

a. A behavior improvement plan on the student that must be signed by an

employee of the school, that the school district has made a good faith effort to

have signed by the student and the student’s parent or guardian and that

includes:

i. A specific description of the behavior that is required or prohibited for

the student

ii. The period for which the plan will effective, not to exceed 45 schools

days after the date the contract becomes effective or

iii. The penalties for additional absences, including additional disciplinary

action or the referral of the student to a truancy court or school-based

community service or refer the student to counseling, mediation,

mentoring, a teen court program, community-based services, or other

in-school or out of services aimed at addressing the student’s truancy.

A referral made under subsection may include participation by the

child’s parent or guardian if necessary.

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BROOKS COUNTY TRUANCY POLICY

Automatic calls made after every absence (Individual calls will be made as deemed

appropriate by campus principal)

1st unexcused absence

Call will be made by attendance clerk two days after an absence, if an excuse has not

been submitted to remind parent/student to return excuse with the exception on the 6th

and 8th absence

Warning Letter 1a

Loss of participation for extracurricular activities

2nd unexcused absence


been submitted to remind parent/student to return excuse

If excuse is not provided by the third day after absence, Letter 1b will be mailed

3rd unexcused absence within a 4 week period



Letter 2 along with referral to the Juvenile Probation Intervention Program will be made

o If forms are not returned, attendance clerks will provide a copy of the letters

directly to the student at school and have them sign in.

Behavior Plan will be created

Referral to counselor will be determined upon student’s current risk factors.

Loss of participation in extracurricular activities for the remainder of the semester

4th unexcused absence

Call will be made by Principal/Designee day of an absence to remind parent/student to

discuss absences and remind parent about excuses and school policy

Parent conference for students in Pre-Kinder and Final Notice

Student is not allowed to make up missed school work for unexcused absence

5th unexcused absence during part or parts of days during the entire academic year



Letter 2(a) along with referral to Juvenile Probation Intervention Program.

Meeting will be held with student, parent, principal/and or Designee, and Truancy Officer

and/or Juvenile Intervention and Prevention Specialist.

If student is already enrolled in the JIP, referral to counseling and/or parent training

Pre-Kinder students will be withdrawn at the 5th unexcused absence

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6th unexcused absence during part or parts of days within the academic semester



Home Visit by Truancy Officer


Call will be made by Principal/Designee day of an absence to remind parent/student to

discuss absences and remind parent about excuses and school policy


Home Visit by Truancy Officer




Final Warning Letter will be mailed on the 9th absence

10th unexcused absence during the entire year will result in referral to court. Referral must be

made within 10 days from the 10th absence.

BROOKS COUNTY ISD is motivated to improve school attendance based on their belief that

education provides opportunities and produces long lasting outcomes for children.

We acknowledge that we have read and fully understand the Brooks County ISD Truancy

Prevention Plan.

Student’s Name: ____________________________

Parent/Guardian Signature: __________________________ Date: _______________________

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BROOKS COUNTY INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT

FALFURRIAS SCHOOL

STUDENT-PARENT ATTENDANCE CONTRACT

Name of Principal, Principal

Name of Assistant Principal, Assistant Principal

Address

(361)325-XXXX

Good attendance is critical to academic achievement. The school and the parent are responsible

for working with each student and his/her family to encourage excellent school attendance. This

contract is an agreement between the student, parent/guardian, and the school.

As the student, I understand the following requirements

Attend school every day for the entire day the entire day

Be on time to all of my classes

Turn in my excuse absence notes if absent (within three days of return to attendance

office)

Not accumulate unexcused absences

I understand that an absence excused/unexcused affects the total 90% rule of school

attendance.

I understand than anything less than 90% but higher than 75% will require and behavior

plan.

I understand that loss of credit due to an excessive excused/unexcused of absences

I understand that three or more unexcused absence in any class period within a 4 week

period will result in truancy referral

I understand that 10 or more unexcused absence within 6 months will result in court

referral

I understand that I will not be allowed to makeup missed school work if my absence is

due to unexcused

I understand that Saturday School does not remove the number of absences

I understand that I may not be allowed to participate in extra-curricular activities due to 3

or more unexcused absences per semester.

Student’s Initials ____________

As the Parent/Guardian, I understand the following requirements

I have read the attendance policy

I understand that is my responsibility to monitor my child’s attendance, grade, and

discipline or contract through the parent portal

Keep my phone/cell number current at the school for notification of my child’s absences

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Assist my child in arranging transportation to school and from school

Request and provide proper documentation for missed school days within 3 days of child

being absent

I understand if my child is attending Pre-Kinder, they will be withdrawn from the

program on the 5th unexcused absence

I understand that my child is only allowed three parent notes per semester

I understand that an excused absence impacts the total absences and may result in loss of

credit if absences are lower than 75% in one or all class periods.

It is my responsibility to request a conference with teachers and/or counselors should I

notice a decrease in grades or change in child’s behavior.

I have read and explained attendance policies to my child

Parent/Guardian Initials: ___________

Student Signature Date Parent/Guardian Signature Date

Administrator Signature Date

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PERSONNEL REQUIREMENTS TABLE

Number Of

Absences

Personnel

Responsible

Action Required

For All Absences Automated system and

Attendance Clerk

Automatic calls made after every absence.

Call will be made by attendance clerk two days after an absence, if an excuse has

not been submitted to remind parent/student to return excuse with the exception of

the 6th and 8th absence.

Student is not allowed to make up missed school work for unexcused absence

Attendance Clerks must document all phone contact by using the log or personal

notes.

1st and 2nd

Unexcused

Absence

Attendance Clerk If excuse is not provided by the third day after absence:

Letter 1a for first unexcused will be mailed and Letter 1 for second

unexcused

Make a copy of Letter 1 and place in student’s attendance folder

Phone Call Record Forms will be created and placed in the student’s

folder (Refer to your notes to complete forms)

2 Phone call logs must be in the folder by the time Letter 1 is mailed.

3rd Unexcused

Absence

Attendance Clerk

Juvenile Intervention

Specialist

Truancy Officer

If excuse is not provided by the third day after absence:

Letter 2 and will mailed

Make a copy of Letter 2 and place in folder

3rd Phone Call Record Form will be created and placed in the student’s

folder. (Refer to your notes to complete forms).

Referral to the Juvenile Probation Intervention Program will be made. A

copy of referral form will be placed in student’s attendance folder.

Original referral Form will be completed and placed in folder for

Intervention Specialist to pick up or for Truancy Officer to deliver to.

Forms may be faxed or scanned to

(512)895-9692 or [email protected]

Truancy Juvenile Letter will be mailed by Juvenile Probation

Intervention Specialist.

Any forms returned will be placed in folder provided by Juvenile

Probation Intervention Specialist.

Truancy Officer will forms JPIS

If forms are not returned, JPIS will provide forms to Truancy Officer,

and the Truancy Officer will be in charge of having students sign in and

give letter directly to the student at school and have them sign in.

4th Unexcused

Absence

or attendance less

than 90% within a

6 week period or

total up to date

days of school.

Attendance Clerk and

Principal/Designee

Call will be made by Principal/Assistant Principal day of an absence to remind

parent/student to discuss absences and remind parent about excuse and school

policy.

Attendance Clerk will provide a referral form for the Principal/assistant

Principal on the student’s 4th absence

Principal/Assistant Principal Call Form will be completed and placed

back into folder by the end of the day

Attendance Clerk will place call form in the student’s attendance folder.

5th Unexcused

Absence

during part or

parts of days

during the entire

academic year.

Attendance Clerk,

Juvenile Intervention

Specialist,

Principal/Designee

Truant Officer


Letter 2a and a Schedule parent Conference will mailed

Meeting will be held within 10 days of 5th absence.

Referral Form will be created with scheduled appointment for the

Principal and Truancy Officer. Copies of each form will be placed in

attendance folder.

Truancy Officer will call one day before scheduled meeting to remind

parent of the parent conference. A Phone Call Form will be completed

and placed in the student’s attendance folder.

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Make a copy of Letter 2a and place in folder

4th Attendance Clerk Phone Call Record Form will be created and placed

in the student’s folder.

Referral to the Juvenile Probation Intervention Program will be made, if

student isn’t already referred.

A copy of referral form will be placed in student’s attendance folder.

Original referral Form will be completed and placed in folder for

Intervention Specialist to pick up or for Truancy Officer to deliver to.

Forms may be faxed or scanned to

(512)895-9692 or [email protected]

Truancy Juvenile Letter will be mailed by Juvenile Probation

Intervention Specialist.

Any forms returned will be placed in folder provided by Juvenile

Probation Intervention Specialist.

Truancy Officer will deliver forms to JPIS

Upon completion of Parent Conference, Parent Conference Form will

completed and form will placed in student’s attendance folder.

If the parent doesn’t attend the meeting, attendance clerks will fill out

form Parent Conference and document no show.

6th Unexcused

Absence


Truancy Officer

Day of 6th absence home visit will be conducted:

Referral Form for Truant Officer will be created, a copy will be placed in

student’s attendance folder

Home Visit by Truancy Officer the day of the absence (If Truant Officer

is unable to make a home visit the day of the absence a phone call by the

Truant Officer will be made within 3 days of the absence)

Home Visit Form must be completed and a copy must be placed in

student’s attendance folder.

7th Unexcused

Absence


Principal/Designee

Call made the day of or within the three after the absence:

Referral form must be created for Principal/assistant Principal

Phone call made by Principal/assistant Principal

Phone call form must be completed and placed back into folder for

Attendance Clerk to file.

8th Unexcused

Absence


Truancy Officer


Referral Form for Truant Officer will be created, a copy will be placed in

student’s attendance folder

Home Visit by Truancy Officer Home Visit by Truancy Officer the day

of the absence (If Truant Officer is unable to make a home visit the day

of the absence a phone call by the Truant Officer will be made within 3

days of the absence)

Home Visit Form must be completed and a copy must be placed in

student’s attendance folder.

9th Unexcused

Absence

Attendance Clerk If excuse is not provided by the third day after absence:

Phone Call Record Form will be created and placed in the student’s

folder.

Final Warning Letter will be mailed.

Make a copy of Final Warning Letter and place in folder

Phone Call Record Forms will be created and placed in the student’s

folder

10th Unexcused

Absence


Truancy Officer


Truant Officer will be notified by Referral Form

A copy of referral form will be placed in attendee folder

Truant Officer will mail out Court Referral

Referral to court within 10 days from absence

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TIMELINE

TIME FRAME Action Required

Daily

Daily attendance reports should be ran

Weekly

Weekly reports should be ran by the end of the week

Biweekly

Biweekly staff meetings should be held by administration, attendance clerk, truant officer,

truancy intervention specialist.

Every 4 & 6 Weeks

Reports should be ran every 4 and 6 weeks to identify any errors or letters needing to be

mailed.

Monthly

Monthly meetings should be held with Superintendents, Principals, and Truancy

Intervention Specialist

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FALFURRIAS SCHOOL

EXCESSIVE ABSENCES NOTIFICATION WARNING LETTER 1



Address

(361)325-XXXX

WARNING LETTER 1a

Date:_____________

Dear parent/Guardian,

This letter is inform you that, CHILD’S NAME, in the GRADE LEVEL, is currently on their 1st

unexcused absence.

Any student subject to full time-education who is absent from school without a valid excuse

more than three days or parts within a 4 week period or 5 days within the year will be referred to

the Juvenile Probation Intervention Program.

The School Attendance records show the following unexcused absences for your child

List of Absences

Period 01 02 03 04 05 06 07 08

Date

If you have any questions or find the absences to be a mistake, please call the office to discuss

this matter. Please refer to the School Policy Handbook regarding absences for further

explanation of the Attendance Policy.

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FALFURRIAS SCHOOL

EXCESSIVE ABSENCES NOTIFICATION WARNING LETTER 1



Address

(361)325-XXXX

WARNING LETTER 1B

DATE


This letter is inform you that, CHILD’S NAME, in the GRADE LEVEL, is currently on their 2nd

unexcused absence.


more than three days or parts of days will be referred to the Juvenile Probation Intervention

Program.


List of Absences

Period 01 02 03 04 05 06 07 08

Date




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FALFURRIAS LASATER and ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

EXCESSIVE ABSENCES NOTIFICATION WARNING 1



Address

(361)325-XXXX

WARNING LETTER 1

DATE


This letter is inform you that, CHILD’S NAME, in the GRADE LEVEL, is currently on their 2nd

unexcused absence.


more than three days or parts of days will be referred to the Juvenile Probation Intervention

Program. Reminder that Pre-K students will be withdrawn at their 5th unexcused absence.

Furthermore, a continuation of absences will result in referral to Truancy Court.


List of Absences

Date




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FALFURRIAS SCHOOL

EXCESSIVE ABSENCES NOTIFICATION LETTER 2



Address

(361)325-XXXX

REFERRAL LETTER FOR THREE UNEXCUSED ABENCES WITHIN 4 WEEK

PERIOD

DATE


This letter is to inform you that, CHILD’S NAME, in the GRADE LEVEL, is currently on their

3rd unexcused absence within a four week period. Your child is being referred to the Juvenile

Probation and Intervention Program and is subject to truancy measures.

It is the parent’s duty to monitor the student’s school attendance and require the student to attend

school. Furthermore, a continuation of absences will result in referral to Truancy Court.


List of Absences

Period 01 02 03 04 05 06 07 08

Date

Please complete and sign intake form attached to your packet. Failure to return forms, may result

in court referral. If you have any questions or find the absences to be a mistake, please call the

office to discuss this matter. Please refer to the School Policy Handbook regarding absences for

further explanation of the Attendance Policy.

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FALFURRIAS SCHOOL

EXCESSIVE ABSENCES NOTIFICATION WARNING 2(a)



Address

(361)325-XXXX

REFERRAL LETTER FOR FIVE UNEXCUSED ABENCES FOR THE ACADEMIC

YEAR

DATE


This letter is to inform you that, CHILD’S NAME, in the GRADE LEVEL, is currently on their

5th unexcused absence within a four week period. Your child is being referred to the Juvenile

Probation and Intervention Program and is subject to truancy measures.


school. Furthermore, a continuation of absences will result in referral to Truancy Court.


List of Absences

Period 01 02 03 04 05 06 07 08

Date

A Parent Conference has been scheduled for ______/________/________ at _____:______. If

you need to reschedule, please contact the attendance clerk.




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FALFURRIAS SCHOOL

EXCESSIVE ABSENCES NOTIFICATION FINAL WARNING



Address

(361)325-XXXX

REFERRAL LETTER FOR NINE UNEXCUSED ABENCES FOR THE ACADEMIC

YEAR

DATE


Final Warning, this letter is to inform you that, CHILD’S NAME, in the GRADE LEVEL, is

currently on their 9th unexcused absence within academic year. As previously discussed, State

law required regular attendance. Failure to comply results in referral to truancy court.


school. Furthermore, a student who has unexcused absences will NOT be allowed to make-up the

work missed and will lose class credit.


List of Absences

Period 01 02 03 04 05 06 07 08

Date

Please complete and sign intake form attached to your packet. Failure to return forms, may result

in court referral. If you have any questions or find the absences to be a mistake, please call the

office to discuss this matter. Please refer to the School Policy Handbook regarding absences for

further explanation of the Attendance Policy.

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TRUANCY COURT REFERRAL FORM

TO THE TRUANT CONDUCT PROSECUTOR:

In Care of: City of _____________Municipal Court, _________________ County, Texas

Justice Court, Precinct _____, ___________________ County, Texas

THE UNDERSIGNED, CERTIFY THAT EACH OF THE FOLLOWING IS TRUE AND

CORRECT:

1. The above named student is a “child,” per Section 65.002 of the Family Code, who is

12 years of age or older and younger than 19 years of age and is required to attend

school under Section 25.085 of the Education Code.

2. The school district has adopted truancy prevention measures per Section 25.0915 of

the Education Code that are designed to address student conduct related to truancy in

the school setting before the student engages in truant conduct and designed to

minimize the need for referrals to truancy court for truant conduct. (Sec. 25.091 (a),

Education Code)

3. The student failed to attend school without excuse on 3 or more days (or parts of

days) within a 4-week period.

4. Thereafter, the school district notified the student’s parent or guardian of: (1) the

student’s absence; (2) the parent’s/guardian’s duty to monitor the student’s school

attendance and require the student to attend school; and (3) that the student is subject

to truancy prevention measures. The school district requested a conference between

school officials and the parent to discuss the absences. (Sec. 25.095 (b), Education

Code) (Attach notice and supporting documentation)

5. The truancy prevention measures were implemented by a: truancy prevention

facilitator, juvenile case manager

designated existing employee of the school district. (Sec. 25.0915 (d)-(e),

Education Code)

Referring School Parent/ Guardian Name

Student Name P/G Relationship to student

Student Initials (First, Last) Home Address

Student ID# City, State, Zip

Student DOB (month, day, year) P/G Phone #

Student Age Other Parent or Guardian

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6. The school district took at least one of the following truancy prevention measures the

district was required to adopt (check all that apply and attach supporting

documentation):

Imposed a “behavior improvement plan” on the student (Sec. 25.0915 (a-1)(1)(A),

Education Code);

Imposed “school-based community service” on the student (Sec. 25.0915 (a-

1)(1)(B), Education Code.);

Referred the student to (circle all that apply) (a) counseling, (b) mediation, (c)

mentoring, (d) a teen court program, (e) community-based services, or (f) other in-

school or out-of-school services aimed at preventing student’s truancy (specifically:

___________________________ ) (Sec. 25.0915 (a-1)(2), Education Code)

7. The school district has determined that the student’s truancy is NOT the result of: (1)

pregnancy; (2) being in the state foster program; (3) homelessness; or (4) being the

principal income earner for the student’s family. (Sec. 25.0915 (a-3), Education

Code)

8. The student failed to attend school as required on 10 or more days (or parts of days)

within a six-month period in the same school year. (Attach attendance records)

9. This filing of this referral was was not delayed for reasons authorized by Sec.

25.0951(d), Education Code.

10. A. The school district applied the adopted truancy prevention measures to the student.

B. The truancy prevention measures failed to meaningfully address the student’s

school attendance.

C. The student is is not eligible for and does does not receive special

education services under Subchapter A, Chapter 29 of the Education Code.

_______________________ ____________________ ______________________

Printed Name Signature Date

DATE RECEIVED

BY TRUANCY COURT:

DATE TRANSMITTED

TO PROSECUTOR:

DATE REVIEWED

BY PROSECUTOR:

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ATTENDANCE CLERK CALL LOG

Date and

Time

Student Name Number

Dialed

Person Spoken

to

Comments

25

BROOKS COUNTY ISD

Attendance Clerk

Excessive Absence Call Form

Date: _______________ Time of call: ________________

Student’s Name: ___________________ Parent/Guardian Name: _________________

Number Called: __________________ Grade: _________

Number of Absences: ______________

Name of person making the phone call: ____________________________________________

Outcome: _____________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________________

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BROOKS COUNTY ISD

Truant Officer


Date: _______________ Time of call: ________________





Outcome: _____________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________________

27

BROOKS COUNTY ISD

Principal/Assistant Principal


Date: _______________ Time of call: ________________





Outcome: _____________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________________

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BROOKS COUNTY ISD

`REFERRAL FORM

Date: ________________ Time: _________________

Phone Call Juvenile Prob. Ref. Parent Conference Home Visit

Reminder Call Court Referral Other: ______________________


Address: ______________________________________________ Grade: _________

Number of Absences: ______________ Phone Number: ______________

Name of person who will receive referral: ___________________________________________

(School designee)

Name of person making referral: ______________________________________________

(School designee)

Scheduled Conference Date: ___________________ Time: _________________

Comments: ____________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________________

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BROOKS COUNTY ISD

Parent/Guardian Conference

Excessive Absence Meeting Form

Date: _______________ Time of Meeting: ________________


Number of Absences: __________________ Grade: _________

Name of Administrator: _________________________________________________

Topics Discussed:

□ Attendance

□ Grades

□ School and Texas Attendance Policy

□ Recommendations

□ Other:__________________________________________________________________

Comments:

_____________________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________________

Student Signature Date Parent/Guardian Signature Date

Administrator Signature Date

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BROOKS COUNTY ISD

ATTENDANCE HOME VISIT FORM

Date: ________________ Time: _________________

High School Jr. High School Elementary School Lasater School


Address: ______________________________________________ Grade: _________

Number of Absences: ______________ Phone Number: ______________

Name of person making home visit: ______________________________________________

(School designee)

________________________________________________

(Parent Signature)

Outcome: _____________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________________

Please contact Truancy Officer at 361-474-3056 or the Student’s School at:

High School 361-325-8097 Elementary 361-325-8041

Jr. High School 361-325-8097 Lasater School 361-325-8041

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WITHDRAWING FROM SCHOOL

EXCUSE SLIP

Date: __________ Time: __________

This is to certify that ________________________

____________ has/had an appointment

____________ is/was feeling sick

____________ has/had a family emergency

____________ Other

I understand that this is a temporary excuse and will submit the medical or other document when

___________________ returns to school.

COMMENTS:

_____________________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________________

Student Signature

Signed: ____________________________________________ Date: _____ / ______ / ______

Print name: ________________________________________________________________________

Parent Signature

Signed: ____________________________________________ Date: _____ / ______ / ______

Print name: ________________________________________________________________________

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BROOKS COUNTY ISD

Truancy Preventive Measures Checklist

Student Name: ________________ Campus: ________________________

Phone #: _____________ Student I.D. #_________ Grade: ______ Age: ____ DOB: ___________

To:

Note: The Texas Education Code (25.0915) requires truancy prevention measures to be conducted at the

school before a referral to a court can be made, at which time a statement from the school must

accompany the referral documenting the interventions and stating that the interventions did not improve

the student’s attendance. The truancy prevention measures must address the student’s conduct related to

truancy in the school setting, minimize absences and the need for referrals to juvenile court, and minimize

filing complaints for failure to attend school:

Comments:

_____ Attendance Contract See copy of Attendance Contract

_____ Phone call to parent Automated School Messenger

_____ Phone call to parent See phone call log attached

(Attendance Clerk)

_____ Warning Letter 1 See Warning Letter 1 attached

_____ Warning Letter 2 See Warning Letter 1 attached

_____ Letter of referral to JIP See letter attached

_____ Behavior Contract See behavior contract attached

_____ Phone call to parent See phone call log attached

(Principal/Ass. Principal)

_____ Parent Conference See Parent Conference Form attached

(Parent Conference)

_____ Home Visit Form See Home Visit Attached

_____ Report Card See copy attached

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