Attendance
Regular attendance is important for learning and is required by law. Both students and parents are responsible for keeping track of absences. School-related absences (like field trips or sports) are limited to 10 per year. If a student has more than 9 absences in a class during one semester, they may lose credit for that class. Missing more than 15 minutes of a class counts as an absence, regardless of when it occurs during the period. Chronically absent is defined as missing 10% or more of classes; all absences - excused or unexcused - count towards being chronically absent.
An “excused” or “explained” absence only means that the student has the opportunity to make up their work. The following are types of absences that may be “excused” or “explained”:
- Personal or Parental illness
- Attendance at a funeral (obituary must be provided within 48 hours)
- Doctor appointment (doctor's note must be provided within 48 hours)
- Court appointments (court papers must be provided within 48 hours)
- College Visits (note from college provided)
- Travel (documented in advance)
When a student is absent, the parent/guardian must notify the school within 48 hours of the reason for the absence.
- Email btw_attendance@tulsaschools.org or call 918-925-1005.
- Please include the student’s name, grade level, ID number, and reason for absence.
- Please attach any documentation regarding the absence.
Oklahoma law requires parents or guardians to notify the school of the reason for their child's absence. The school must also inform parents when their child is absent. BTW uses an automated phone system for this. Parents need to provide the school with an accurate phone number. Absences without an explanation after 48 hours will be marked unexcused.
Early Dismissal/Pick-Up
Only a parent or legal guardian can allow another adult (age 18 or older) to pick up a student early from school. This permission must be in writing and recorded in PowerSchool. The approved adult must show a valid, unexpired photo ID.
Legal guardians can pick up their child unless the school has official court documents that limit their access. These documents must be given to the main office and will be entered into the District’s system.
Anyone picking up a student must:
- Check in at the attendance office
- Sign an early release form
- Show valid photo ID
School staff will verify the person’s ID and check if they are approved in the system. Students leaving school without permission from the Administration will be considered truant.
Late Arrival
The south entrance is locked at 8:30 a.m. All students arriving after 8:30 am must enter through the Main Entrance on the north side of campus. Students arriving after 8:30 am must check in at the attendance office and receive a tardy slip.
Revocation of Transfer Due to Non-Attendance
Tulsa Public Schools Board of Education Policy 2204 states that students shall be in attendance a minimum of ninety percent (90%) of the instructional time. In a full school year, students who miss 16 or more days are considered chronically absent and are at risk of having their transfer revoked. Absences are reviewed quarterly, and students may be placed on an attendance contract if they are on track to be chronically absent. All excused and unexcused absences and tardies are considered in calculating a student’s attendance. TRANSFERS MAY BE REVOKED AT THE END OF EACH SEMESTER.
