Attendance

ATTENDANCE POLICIES

Students who attend school consistently and on time have higher academic achievement, which correlates with successful outcomes in college and beyond. GAMP has the following policies to ensure that students are in class.

Lateness to School

Students arriving late must enter through the main entry doors, scan in, and obtain a late slip. Students are late after 7:45 AM. Students arriving after 9:30 AM without a note from a doctor or caretaker will receive detention.  For every three latenesses, students will receive an after-school detention; every sixth lateness will result in a conference with the student and caretaker.  The submission of notes does not guarantee excusal of latenesses: the secretary will review all notes to determine if they are excused or unexcused according to SDP policies.   In addition, the district states that:

  • Arrivals at 11:00 AM or later without a note = unexcused half-day absence
  • Leaving at 1:39 PM or earlier without a note = unexcused half-day absence
  • Two half-day absences = one full-day unexcused absence

Absences

Students must present valid absence excuse notes written by a caretaker within three days of any absence to the main office.  Students absent for more than 3 consecutive days must present a note from a medical doctor.  The submission of notes does not guarantee excusal of absences: the secretary will review all notes to determine if they are excused or unexcused according to SDP policies.  It may take a few days for the secretary to code an absence as excused.

Extended Absences

Students who anticipate being absent for more than three days should check Google Classroom for missed work. Students who expect to be absent due to health reasons for more than four consecutive weeks should contact the nurse for Homebound Instructions.

Early Dismissals

Students are not permitted to leave early unless there is an emergency. If an early release is anticipated, send a note to the classroom teacher, who will notify the office. If an emergency arises during the school day, request early release at the Main Office.

In all cases:

  • A parent/guardian must sign out the student at the Main Office.
  • Students will be dismissed from the office, not the classroom.
  • Students may not leave the building alone during the school day.

Please note:

  • Early dismissal requests after 2:30 PM will not be honored.
    On half-days, the cutoff for early dismissals is 12:00 PM, per District policy.

Student ID Cards 

Students are required to scan into the building using their student IDs. If students enter the building without scanning in, they will be marked absent.  Students should never give their IDs to other students. Students are not permitted to swipe in for another student.  Replacement IDs can be purchased from Ms. Taylor for $5.00.

Extra-Curricular Activities

To participate in extra-curricular activities, a student must be present in school.

Perfect Attendance

Perfect Attendance is defined as no lateness or absences from school.  Only students with no absences or latenesses on their record will be recognized for perfect attendance.

Emergency Contacts

Please keep your address, phone number, and email up to date. This ensures we can contact you about your child’s progress or in an emergency.

  • At the start of the year, complete the Parent/Guardian Location Form.
  • Provide medical and insurance information for emergencies.
  • If there are custody arrangements, submit a Court Order or legal agreement to the school. This ensures only authorized individuals can pick up your child.

RESPONSE TO TRUANCY PROTOCOL

GAMP follows the school district’s response to truancy protocol.

  • Every Lateness/Absence: For each absence/lateness recorded, parents/guardians receive an automated notification via phone call, email, or text.
  • 3rd Unexcused Absence: When a student has been absent for three (3) days during the current school year unexcused, the parent/guardian will receive notice of the student’s third unexcused absence.
  • 6th Unexcused Absence: The school staff shall offer a SAIC to review the absences, identify barriers to attendance, and develop strategies to improve attendance. District staff shall notify the caretaker and student of the SAIC, but neither the student nor the caretaker shall be required to participate. The SAIC shall occur even if the parent/guardian declines to participate or fails to attend. A School Attendance Improvement Plan (SAIP) will be created during the meeting.
  • 10th Unexcused Absence (Under 18 yrs old): If, after implementation and progress monitoring of the SAIP, the student’s attendance does not improve, and the student has accrued ten (10) or more unexcused absences, they may be referred to Family Court to be scheduled for a hearing in Regional Truancy Court.