The attendance policy received an update this school year, with the re-admittance of an all-grades exemption policy. The new policy allows qualifying freshmen to receive one exemption, sophomores receive two exemptions, juniors receive three exemptions, and qualifying seniors may exempt all of their classes. Additionally, students receive an additional exemption for each of their AP classes for which they take the AP exam, as long as they meet the other requirements. 

Students must fill out the exemption form by Monday, May 13. They can get the QR code for the exemption form from their fifth period teachers.

If you are in a dual credit class, you will be required to take the Lone Star final, and may choose to use one of your exemptions on the College Park final. The exemption requirements include:

1. no more than six absences in any class for the year 
2. at least a 75 percent for both the third and fourth quarter in the class you wish to exempt 
3. no ISS or OSS this semester, no DAEP or JJAEP this school year
4. no zeros for a major grade in the course you wish to exempt 
5. you are not on the holds list
6. you were in school on April 29, 2024

“An absence is any class period that a student is not at school. To excuse the absence the parent needs to call, email or send a note (only one is needed) to excuse the absence or turn in a doctor’s note,” the para PEIMS clerk, Anita Henao, said.

An excused absence is still counted as an absence, and will affect your eligibility for exemptions. Attendance is taken every class period.

There are a few types of absences that will not affect your eligibility for exemption, these include a doctor’s appointment, a field trip, a UIL event, a special event on campus, a funeral (students have 3 funeral days each school year), a college visit, a court appearance, citizenship papers or naturalization ceremony, and religious holidays. Documentation must be provided for the absence to be excused.

“Absences that require documentation can be excused by receiving a parent’s phone call, email, or a note. Then once documentation has been received showing the student attended, it will be recorded,” Henoa said.

Students must be present for 90 percent of class time to receive credit for the course. If students miss more than 90 percent of a class, they must make up the hours to receive credit. 

“The student’s parent or guardian needs to contact the Attendance Office 30-60 minutes before the student needs to leave for us to be able to get a pass to the student. The earlier the better,” Henao said.

Students must sign in and out through the attendance office, or they will be written up for skipping. Students, no matter their age, are not allowed to check themselves out of school. 

The attendance policy is written by the Texas Education Agency and the exemption policy is written by Dr. Murrell and a committee of teachers. The contact information for the College Park attendance office is below:

Phone:  936-709-3003

Fax: 936-709-3019

Email: [email protected]

Make sure to come to school Cavs!