Attendance & Absences

Commerce ISD allows parents to submit five notes per semester (in addition to doctor's notes) to excuse their child's absences. 

Documentation after an Absence (All Grade Levels) 

CISD policy states parents submit an excuse note to the school attendance office within five days of returning to school. Excuse notes, which can be an email, handwritten, or a ParentSquare Attendance Notification response, must include: 

 • Student name
 • School name
 • A written statement giving the date and reason for the absence
 • Parent or guardian signature for handwritten notes only
 • Parent phone number 

Starting 24-25 calendar year, phone calls can longer be accepted for absences.

A note signed by the student will not be accepted unless the student is age 18 or older or is an emancipated minor under state law. The campus will document in its attendance records whether the absence is excused or unexcused. 

Note: 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. 

1. Via the ParentSquare Website or Mobile App:
   • Parents and Guardians can view Attendance Notices on their app or web site and can submit notes back to the school.
   • Click Send Note to School.
   • Enter the reason for the absence and click Submit. 

• Per district policy, attendance notes must be submitted in writing within 5 days of the absence.
• Phone calls are no longer accepted for reporting absences.
• Per the Student Handbook, the following information is required for the absence note: Student name, date of absence, and reason for absence.

• The ParentSquare app downloaded on your mobile device, or access to a web browser.
• Log in using the email address or mobile number where you received the notification. If needed, click “Forgot Password” to reset your login information.