Elementary School Gateway International School

Whenever a child is absent from school, the school must receive an explanation from the parent/guardian. Parents my send notes or e-mails, or they may call the school office. The explanation must include the child's name, the date(s) of the absence, the reason for the absence, and the teacher's name. Notes should be signed and dated by the parent/guardian. For doctor or dentist appointments, please provide a note signed and dated by your physician or dentist. The school attendance clerk will call home if a phone call, note, or e-mail has not been received from absent students.

All absences must be cleared by a parent/guardian within 5 business days; after that time, the absence becomes a truancy. Attendance letters will be sent by the office. Letters are sent for the equivalent of 5 days unexcused absences (1st truancy letter), 10 days unexcused absences (2nd truancy letter), and 15 days unexcused absences (3rd truancy letter). The 3rd letter results in the student being identified as "habitual truant".

A letter will be mailed from the office after 5 days of excused absences. After 10 absences, a second letter requiring verification of illness (doctor's note) will be mailed. Without verification, absences exceeding 10 days will considered unexcused.

GCC POLICY

In the event that your child must be gone from school for an extended period of time, an Independent Study Contract may be requested. There is a "short term" Independent Study option for absences of less than 3 days and an Independent Study Contract for 3 or more days. Independent study absences cannot exceed 20% of the student's total instructional time.

According to GCC Board Policy 03-12 the maximum amount of time that may elapse between when an Independent study assignment is made and when it is due shall not exceed the following limits:

• Kindergarten: two weeks
• First through third grade: three weeks
• Fourth through sixth grade: four weeks
• Seventh and eighth grade: five weeks

Requests must be turned in to the office for the principal's signature at least five (5) days prior to the absence, so that there is adequate time for the teacher to prepare student materials. Requests submitted with less than five (5) days notice may not be granted. Successfully competed Independent Study Contracts will not count against a child's attendance record. Completed work must be returned on the day the student returns to school.

School absences are monitored carefully throughout the year. If a student has excessive school absences or tardies, a meeting will be held to discuss reasons why and strategies to improve school attendance.