TROY

Your Student's Academic Success Begins With Attendance 

Attendance Information:

Please review the below times at each campus that students will be marked Tardy or Absent:

*Please scroll to the bottom of this page for legal information.*

Truancy is the result of too many UNEXCUSED absences.

• An unexcused absence is whenever proper documentation (parent note, doctor note, etc.) has NOT been provided to the school/campus.
• An unexcused absence can occur from missing one class period or the entire school day. 
• If an elementary student arrives after the "attendance accountability time" the student will be marked absent for the day.
  • Attendance accountability times: 
    • Mays Elementary = 9:30am
    • Troy Elementary = 9:45am 

What should I do if my child is absent from school?

• Provide proper documentation (parent note, doctor note, etc.) to the school office, located at the main entrance of each campus.
• Parent notes will excuse up to 3 absences per semester.
• Doctor notes should be provided for any medically-related visits (dental, vision, etc.).
• Funerals - Parent note should be provided along with the memorial pamphlet/folder. 
• Signing out - Parent written note should be provided in order to excuse the absences for the remainder of the day.
• All notes should be turned in within 5 days of the absence.

How will I be notified if my child has unexcused absences? 

• By school messenger (automated phone call/email) when your student is absent for one or more periods.
• You will receive a "truancy warning letter" via mail after 3 unexcused absences within a 4-week period. (For this reason, it is important that you keep your telephone number and address current with the school office).
• You will receive additional “truancy warning letters” at 6 and 9 unexcused absences.
• "It is YOUR responsibility to monitor YOUR child's attendance" (HB 2398 Sect. 25.093) through Parent Portal or you may call the secretary at your child's campus.

 What happens when I receive a letter and my child continues to have unexcused absences?

 Troy ISD Truancy Prevention methods will be set in place for you and your child, in attempt to prevent further unexcused absences and prevent filing truancy charges with the Bell County Truancy Court, in addition to the state requirements listed below.

Truancy Prevention Methods include but are not limited to:

• Letters sent home warning of truancy charges from the Truancy Prevention Department
• Direct contact from Truancy Prevention Officer in attempt to request parent/doctor notes to reduce the number of unexcused absences 
• Attendance/Behavior Improvement Plan (BIP) signed by student and Truancy Prevention Officer
• Attendance Contract signed by student and ISD staff
• Home visits after 3 consecutive unexcused absences with no contact from parent/guardian
• In-School-Suspension per campus rules after so many tardies/unexcused absences (mainly for MS and HS campuses)
• Notice of Intent to File Truancy Charges given to student and/or parent
• Truancy Prevention Course online to be completed by student/parent in final attempt to prevent filing truancy charges with the Bell County Truancy Court (read below)

Once your child reaches a minimum of 8 to 10 unexcused absences within a six month period, you/your student will be asked to take a Truancy Prevention Course (click here) in an attempt to avoid going to Truancy Court and prevent Truancy charges from being filed on you and/or your child.

• Because Texas State Law requires a student to attend school, the parent/guardian is subject to prosecution for their truant/absent child under the age of 19. The criminal negligence charge is "parent contributing to non-attendance" (HB 2398 Sect. 25.093). This is considered a Class C misdemeanor punishable by fines ranging from $100 - $500 in addition to court costs/fees. 
• The driver's license of your student may also be blocked or suspended.
• Your child (ages 12 - 18) is also subject to civil prosecution for "failure to attend school." This may result in removal from traditional classroom setting, additional fines, court costs, and possible suspension of the student's driver's license (if applicable). Note, Troy ISD is not responsible for the outcome of the Judge’s findings in Truancy Court, and any disputes must be taken up with the Bell County Truancy Court.
• A student in any grade level (K-12), may not be given credit or a final grade for a class unless the student is in attendance at least 90% of the days the class is offered. (Sect. 25.092).