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SECTION II: INFORMATION FOR STUDENTS AND
PARENTS
Topics in this section of the handbook contain important information on academics,
school activities, and school operations and requirements. Take a moment with your
child to become familiar with the various issues addressed in this section. It is
conveniently organized in alphabetical order to serve as a quick reference when you or
your child have a question about a specific school-related issue. Should you be unable to
find the information on a particular topic, please contact Bart McMeans at (806) 756-
4314.
ABSENCES/ATTENDANCE
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
on the previous day’s, and to grow as an individual. Absences from class may result in
serious disruption of a student’s mastery of the instructional materials; therefore, the
student and parent should make every effort to avoid unnecessary absences. Two state
laws, one dealing with compulsory attendance, the other with attendance for course
credit, are of special interest to students and parents. They are discussed below:
Compulsory Attendance
State law requires that a student between the ages of 6 and 18 attend school, as well as
any applicable accelerated instruction program, extended year program, or tutorial
session, unless the student is otherwise excused from attendance or legally exempt.
A student who voluntarily attends or enrolls after his or her 18th birthday is required to
attend each school day. If a student 18 or older has more than five unexcused absences in
a semester, however, the district may revoke the student’s enrollment. The student’s
presence on school property thereafter would be unauthorized and may be considered
trespassing.
State law requires attendance in an accelerated reading instruction program when
kindergarten, first grade, or second grade students are assigned to such a program.
Parents will be notified in writing if their child is assigned to an accelerated reading
instruction program as a result of the reading diagnosis test.
School employees must investigate and report violations of the state compulsory
attendance law. A student absent without permission from school; from any class; from
required special programs, such as additional special instruction (termed “accelerated
instruction” by the state) assigned by a grade placement committee and basic skills for
ninth graders; or from required tutorials will be considered in violation of the compulsory
attendance law and subject to disciplinary action.
A court of law may also impose penalties against both the student and his or her parents
if a school-aged student is deliberately not attending school. A complaint against the
parent may be filed in court if the student:
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