What absences do not count against the 90% Attendance rule?

State law provides exemptions for certain absences, as long as the student makes up all missed work. These absences will not count against your student’s attendance:

• School-Sponsored Field Trips

• UIL-Sanctioned Events

• Religious Holy Days

• Required Court Appearances

• Visits to a Government Office to Obtain U.S. Citizenship

• Participation in a U.S. Naturalization Oath Ceremony

• Serving as an Election Clerk

• Health-Care Appointments (for the student or their child, including absences related to autism services)

• Serious or Life-Threatening Illness (with physician certification that attendance is infeasible)

For students in the conservatorship of the state:

• Activities required under a court-ordered service plan

• Any other court-ordered activity that cannot reasonably be scheduled outside school hours

For children of military families:

• Up to five excused days for visits with a parent, stepparent, or legal guardian who is:

  • Being deployed

  • On leave from active duty

  • Returning from deployment

For additional details, refer to the MISD Student Handbook (See "Children of Military Families" on page 16). If you have any questions about specific absences, please contact your student’s House Office.