Recently my friend Christine Boyett Barr's family was struck with a horrible tragedy. Her 5 year old niece, and her son's cousin, after being missing for several hours was found under a dock near the family boat. She had drowned.

http://www.houstonchronicle.com/news/houston-texas...

It is every parent's worst fear realized. Naturally all of the nearby family wished to attend their young relative's funeral. Unfortunately now, the Katy Independent School District's attendance policy is adding insult to Christine's injury. Despite what emotional impact the death of his young cousin's passing might have had, KISD refuses to excuse the absence as a cousin is not a "nuclear family member."

In her words Christine told me and other friends and family:

"I received notification that because of unexcused absences, we might be charged with a Class C violation and brought to court. When my husband called to get it cleared up, they told him all the absences except the funeral would be excused. The funeral would not be excused because it was not for a nuclear family member.I feel the policy should be changed and that PARENTS should be allowed to decide which funerals are important for their children to attend. Biology is not the most important factor."

If you agree, like I do, I hope you will sign this to send a message to the KISD leadership that not only should Christine's son's absence be excused but the policy needs to be rewritten in the interest of the emotional well being of families and the right of parents to decide what is best for their children.

What's more if you would like to contact KISD directly, here are some of the contact numbers you would need:

Superintendent: Alton Frailey Contact: B. J. Alvarez Phone: 281-396-2304

Assistant Superintendent, Student Support Services :Dr. Linda Menius Contact: Cheryl Winters Phone: 281-396-2495

http://www.katyisd.org/Pages/departments.aspx