FLEX Day Letter
October 7, 2011
Dear NDIS Parents,
As you might have already noticed, our revised 2011-2012 district calendar contains four days listed as “Flex Days”. These FLEX days are a part of an Optional Flexible Year Program passed by the Texas Legislature a few years ago. Students who have reached the criteria that our campus has set will be exempt from attendance on those days and will not be counted absent. Intermediate students who are NOT exempt due to not meeting the qualifying criteria will be required to attend classes on FLEX days. These students will have the opportunity to participate in innovative creative activities that reinforce the curriculum that they have not mastered, or they will receive enrichment activities. The student-teacher ratio will be very low which will allow for more individualized instruction. It is very important that the students who are required to attend come to school that day. Any absence on FLEX days will be counted as an unexcused absence and will result in disciplinary action, retention, or possibly summer school.
The academic criteria used will be based on each student’s current grades, scores on benchmark tests, and mastery of skills/TEKS (Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills).
Also, if a child is not in compliance with the compulsory attendance laws and has missed more than 10 days/periods in an academic year, he/she will be required to attend. Days students are absent for physician appointments or illness documented by a physician’s statement will not be included in the 10 days/periods ruling. For example, if a student is absent 4 days with the flu, goes to the doctor, and brings back a note that says, “may not return until fever free for 24 hours”, we will accept that for the 4 days, so those will not count in the 10 day ruling. Also, students who are representing the school at an event such as FFA or 4H with proper documentation will be excluded from the days counting against them. Each period stands alone. So, if a child is here every day, but leaves early more than 10 days without doctor documentation, he/she will be required to attend FLEX days.
A child who is documented as having persistent misbehavior or non-compliant in class will also be required to attend on FLEX days.
You will be sent notice of whether or not your child is exempt from attendance by May 18. In the event the child should fall from any of the criteria above, the exemption could be revoked.
Your child’s good grades, consistent attendance, and good behavior are all indicators of them being on track to be exempt on FLEX days.
We hope this program proves to be effective in improving student achievement, attendance, and behavior on our campus. Should you have any questions, feel free to contact me at the Intermediate office or by email at dmcguire@ndisd.org .