ATTENDANCE OFFICE

Attendance Specialist: Meliza Watkins

Attendance direct phone number: 512-414-2538 x73008

Attendance Email address: anderson@austinisd.org

At Anderson High School, we believe that consistent attendance is a cornerstone of academic success. Every day in the classroom provides valuable learning opportunities that cannot be replaced. We are committed to partnering with you to ensure your student thrives, and that begins with being present.

This message contains important information regarding state attendance laws, school procedures, and opportunities for attendance recovery. We encourage you to review it carefully.

Understanding Attendance Requirements for Course Credit

To ensure students receive academic credit for their courses, the state of Texas has two requirements that must be met each semester:

1. Academic Performance: The student must achieve a semester average of 70 or higher.
2. Attendance: The student must be physically present in class for at least 90% of the instructional days.

Falling below the 90% attendance threshold, which typically equates to more than three to four unexcused (UNX) absences in a semester-long class, will result in the loss of credit for that course, regardless of the student's grade.

Attendance Recovery

We understand that circumstances can sometimes lead to absences. To support our students, we offer several opportunities for them to recover lost attendance hours and restore their eligibility for course credit.

Opportunities to Recover Hours:

 Expectations for Recovery Sessions 

To receive credit for attending a recovery session, students must:

• Arrive on time and stay for the entire session.
• Bring schoolwork, a book to read, or other academic materials.
• Adhere to campus rules: no eating, sleeping, phone use, or disruptive talking.

It is the student's responsibility to monitor their attendance and arrange for recovery hours as needed. Students who lost credit in a previous semester should begin the recovery process immediately.

A Note for Seniors: Compliance with attendance requirements is mandatory for participation in senior activities, including Prom and the graduation ceremony.

For any questions regarding your student's attendance status, please contact the following;  Mrs. Dorothy Salas, Leslie Limon, Meliza Watkins, assistant principal, or counselor.

Attendance Appeal for Students Under 75% Attendance:

This form is to be filled out by the student and or parent/guardian for filing an appeal once a student falls below 75% attendance for any course. One form per semester, regardless of the number of courses the student wishes to appeal.

Submit an Attendance Appeal

In compliance with Chapter 25 of the Texas Education Code, the committee shall consider: 

• The student's entire attendance record and reasons for absences 
• The student's date of enrollment in the district
• The acceptability and authenticity of the documented reason for the student's absences
• Whether the absences were for reasons out of the student's or the parent's control 
• Whether or not the student has completed assignments, mastered essential knowledge and skills, and maintained passing grades in the course or subject
• Any additional information provided to the committee about absences

The committee may impose any of the following conditions for students with excessive absences to regain credit or be awarded a final grade:

• Completing additional assignments, as specified by the committee or teacher.
• Attending tutorial sessions as scheduled, which may include Saturday classes and or before or after school programs. 
• Maintaining the attendance standards for the rest of the semester. 
• Taking an examination for credit.
• Attending a flexible school day program. 
• Attending summer school. 
• Performing service projects in the community

General Attendance Procedures

Planning Ahead: Every Day Counts! Please refer to the official school calendar and bell schedule when making appointments. We ask that you try to schedule appointments and travel outside of instructional hours to minimize disruption to your student's learning. Absences for personal reasons are not excused.

Reporting an Absence: All parent notes and medical documentation for student absences should be submitted using the official School Absence Form on the AISD website.

• We cannot accept phone calls or voicemails as official documentation for an absence.
• Medical offices can submit documentation directly to anderson@austinisd.org.
• Set up notifications for your student’s attendance and grades via Parent Self Serve.
• Click here to learn more about attendance descriptions and codes. 

A Note on Attendance Processing: Please understand that all attendance entries—including doctor's notes, teacher corrections, and field trip rosters—are processed manually. While we strive to update records within 3-5 business days, high volumes of submissions can cause delays. We appreciate your patience and understanding.

Attendance Reminder: Please avoid sending duplicated emails. Once we receive your message, it's in progress-extra emails can slow things down. Thank you for helping us work efficiently!