08/31/2026
A Friendly Attendance Reminder for Our Panther Families
We know that kids get sick, appointments come up, and sometimes life brings circumstances that are simply outside of a family’s control. We always want to work with our families while also making sure we are consistent in how we handle attendance.
We also want to be clear that these are not new expectations or a new attendance policy. These procedures have been included in the Follett ISD Student Handbook and are the guidelines we follow when determining whether an absence is excused or unexcused.
The Student Handbook states under “Documentation After an Absence (All Grade Levels)”:
“A parent must provide an explanation for any absence when the student arrives or returns to school. The student must submit a note signed by the parent. The campus may accept a phone call from the parent but reserves the right to require a written note.”
The handbook also states:
“The district is not required to excuse any absence, even if the parent provides a note explaining the absence, unless the absence is an exemption under compulsory attendance laws.”
For illness-related absences to be excused, we ask families to provide documentation from a doctor or health clinic. We understand that there may occasionally be rare or extenuating circumstances, and we are always willing to visit with families individually when those situations arise.
For extended illnesses, the handbook states under “Doctor’s Note After an Absence for Illness (All Grade Levels)”:
“Within 3 days of returning to school, a student who is absent for more than 3 consecutive days because of a personal illness must bring a statement from a doctor or health clinic verifying the illness or condition that caused the absence.”
The handbook also allows the principal or attendance committee to require medical documentation if a student develops a questionable pattern of absences.
Our goal is not to make things more difficult for families. We want to work together, be consistent and fair to everyone, and make sure our students are at school learning whenever they are healthy enough to be here. If your family is experiencing an unusual or extenuating circumstance that is affecting your child’s attendance, please reach out to us. We are always happy to visit with you about your individual situation.
Thank you for working alongside us and for helping us support our Panthers!
