To report a student absent from school, the parent/guardian must submit a hand written note, or email to PGMattendance@forsyth.k12.ga.us  to the school’s attendance clerk within five (5) school days for an absence to be considered excused. The note must include the student’s name, the date(s) of absence(s), and the reason for the absence. Up to ten (10) parent notes will count as an excused absence for your child. After the ten parent notes are received, a doctor's note is required for the absence to be excused. It is the responsibility of the parent(s)/guardian(s) to be in communication with the student’s teacher(s) and/or office staff when a student is absent, especially when it is for more than one day. The principal may require students to present appropriate medical or other documentation upon returning to school for the purpose of validating those absences are excused.  In case of extended illness, hospitalization, or injury, the parent should apply for Hospital Homebound service. Hospital Homebound service should be applied for immediately when absences of ten (10) days or more are anticipated for the student.

ATTENDANCE POLICY:

Regular attendance is essential to success in school. As permitted under the State Board of Education Rule 160-

5-1-.10, the Georgia Compulsory Education Law O.C.G.A. § 20-2-690.1, and Forsyth County Board of

Education policy, students may be excused for the following reasons:

1. Personal illness or attendance in school that endangers a student’s health or the health of others.

2. A serious illness or death in a student’s immediate family necessitates an absence from school.

3. A court order or an order by a governmental agency, including pre-induction physical

examinations for service in the armed forces, mandating absence from school.

4. The observance of religious holidays, needing absence from school.

5. Conditions making attendance impossible or hazardous to student health or safety.

6. A scheduled medical, dental, or eye examination of the student.

7. Registering to vote or voting.

8. A visit, up to five school days per year, with a parent or legal guardian who is on leave from or

who is being deployed to military service.

Students shall be counted present when they are serving as a page in the Georgia General Assembly. Students

who are in foster care are to be counted present at school when attending court proceedings related to their care

and placement.

Non-school related activities and vacations are considered unexcused.