Although perfect attendance is the goal, it's not always possible. School districts are required to excuse a student's absence to:

• Observe a religious holy day
• To be considered a religious holy day, the day should be one generally recognized by the student’s religious denomination as a holy day that is required to be observed by all members of that denomination.
• Church retreats, camps, and mission trips and individual religious rites (baptisms, christenings, bar mitzvahs, etc.) are not considered holy days. 
• Attend a required court appearance
• Student’s name must appear on the court summons.
• Serve as an election clerk
• Appear at a governmental office to complete paperwork required in connection with the student's application for U.S. citizenship
• Take part in a U.S. naturalization oath ceremony
• Sound "Taps" at a military honors funeral held in Texas for a deceased veteran
• Attend a healthcare appointment
• The student must return to school on the same day of appointment.
• Visit college campuses
• Juniors and seniors

Generally, an absence may qualify as excused in cases of:

• Funeral - must be an immediate family member
• Doctor appointment
• School-sponsored curricular or extracurricular activities