Friendswood Independent School District is making some attendance policy changes for the 2010-2011 Student Handbooks.

“The biggest changes are for elementary and intermediate,” Deputy Superintendent Sherry Green said at the FISD Board meeting on Tuesday, June 8.

“High school and junior high take attendance by period and elementary and intermediate don’t do that,” Green said. “What we’ve done is we’ve added a part of day attendance procedure that is going to be brand new that we know we’ll get phone calls on.”

The changes boil down to tougher part of day absence rules, which according to both teachers and administration, are out of hand. The students will now only be allowed three parts of day absences per semester (9 week period) and on the fourth part of day absence, lunch or after school detention will be given to the student. 

“Part of the day absence is coming 20 minutes after the tardy bell rings, or picking your child up 20 minutes before the end of the day. These are un-excused,” Green said. “Doctor’s appointments, being sick, those things don’t count. These are un-excused personal business.”

 “When we talked about this, it was like, yes, we’re punishing the child and we realize that. I understand that’s going to make some mommas real upset, but that’s OK,” said Green. “The child’s not driving, but yet we have principals say we have fourth and fifth graders that walk in [late to class] carrying Starbucks!”

It may take a little getting used to for those parents who are less than morning people, but with our children’s education and futures on the line, there isn't much room to complain. So, get ready to set your alarms a few minutes earlier this fall and ensure the prompt arrival of your kids!