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Gig Harbor High School

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  2. Attendance Policy

Attendance Policy

Contact Information

GHHS Attendance Line
(253) 530-1429

GHHS Principal
Michele Suiter

PSD Truancy Officer
Shelby Cobb
Paralegal
 

Additional Resources

PSD Attendance Process Flow Chart (coming soon!)

Planned Extended Absence Form

Student Rights and Forms

PSD Board Policies

Family Resources

Why Every School Day Matters

Academic Success

Students with regular attendance are more likely to read at grade level, excel in math, and graduate high school prepared for their future.

Social Development

Daily attendance helps students build lasting friendships, develop essential social skills, and feel connected to their school community.

Student and Parent Handbook Calendar

Supporting Student Success Through Regular Attendance

We believe every day of learning shapes your child's future. Our commitment to supporting regular school attendance reflects our dedication to your student's success, both in school and beyond. Together, we can ensure every student has the opportunity to thrive in their educational journey.

Attendance Requirements

 In the State of Washington, school attendance is compulsory for children 8 years and older. The Washington State truancy law, otherwise known as The Becca Bill, requires schools to notify parents and guardians of the absences. The school and parent must make a plan when there are unexcused absences recorded. It is our desire to work with families to ensure compulsory attendance of our students. We believe that students who are on time and attend school regularly will build a foundation for academic and social success. Thank you for your support and cooperation with our efforts to ensure good attendance at Gig Harbor High School.

For reference please see PSD Attendance Policy 3122.

When your student is absent;

  • It is important for parents to call our attendance line; or send a written excuse when the student returns.
  • When calling in please leave the student ID number, reason for the absence and the dates of the absence.
  • An auto-dialer phone call will notify parents when their child was absent, unless we have been notified by 2 p.m.

Reporting an Absence

To report an absence, please call the GHHS Attendance Line at (253) 530-1429. 

Supporting Your Student's Attendance

Peninsula School District offers comprehensive support to help students maintain regular attendance:

  • Early intervention strategies
  • Family support services
  • Transportation assistance
  • Community engagement programs
Unexcused Absences Actions by School
One (1) Period or Day Automated phone call alerting parent
Five (5) unexcused in 30 days or 12 unexecused absences all year Email a letter to a parent/guardian alerting them.
Seven (7) unexcused in 30 days or 15 unexcused all year

Student meets with counselor to complete the “barriers to attendance” survey

Email letter to parent/guardian alterting them to the concern

Parent/Student Conference with administration to make a plan.
Eighteen (18) or more absences (excused or unexcused) in a school year.

The student may be moved forward to a truancy petition. 

The Community Truancy Board will convene with the parent and student. 

“Barriers to Attendance” survey administered if not already completed.
 
Excused Absences Action by School
One (1) to five (5) absences in a month Monitoring and contact made with family if consecutive.
Six (6) to 10 absences in a year Letter to family notifying them of the concern and scheduling a conference.
Ten (10) absences in a year A doctors note may be required for future absences. A Becca Petition may be started.
Eighteen (18) or more absences (excused or unexcused) in a school year

The student may be moved forward to a truancy petition

The Community Truancy Board will convene with the parent and student. 

The “Barriers to Attendance” survey to be administered if not already completed.

  • Illness, dental or medical appointments are considered valid reasons to be tardy/absent. A note from the doctor’s office is always appreciated and may be required after multiple tardies/absences. 

  • Oversleeping, missing the bus, vacations, and traffic are just a few examples of unexcused tardies/absences. 

  • All late arrivals must check in to the main office.  Accumulated unexcused tardies will result in lunch detention 

  • Tier 1 Interventions:

    • Teachers take daily attendance
    • Daily attendance robocalls made to families with absent students
    • Teachers track class attendance and encourage students to reach their 90% attendance goals

    Tier 2 Interventions: 

    • Student works with counselor to complete the “Barries to Attendance” survey. 
    • Student participates in an attendance advisory meeting or a intervention group with their counselor

    Tier 3 Interventions (for students who are missing or not attending school):

    • Attendance meetihg with parents/guardians with administration to create an attendance plan/contract
    • A home visit and/or a referral to Positive Steps.

  • Parents must come into the building to sign students out if leaving early. Please have identification. Everyone must have a current photo id in order to enter the building. 

    Any changes in transportation plans must have a written note from the parent/guardian. Notes/emails must be received by 11:00 a.m.  

  • If you are aware that you will be absent for 5+ consecutive days due to a family emergency, event, vacation, court order, housing change, or other non-school related event, please contact the school to complete a planned absence form. The absence may remain unexcused if it does not qualify as an excused absence but it may prevent a truancy filing. 

  • Students will be dropped from enrollment on the 20th consecutive day of absence (excused or unexcused). If dropped from enrollment any choice transfers or special program transfers are also terminated. 

Attendance Tips

Communicate with the school: If your child experiences challenges that affect their attendance, please reach out to the school for support and resources. We are your partner and here to help you however we can. 

 

Encourage a love of learning: Foster a positive attitude towards school and learning by engaging in educational activities with your child at home.  If there are areas where your child’s school or academic experience can improve, we encourage you to speak with your school principal or educator. 

Establish a consistent routine: Ensure your child gets enough sleep, eats a healthy breakfast, and has ample time to prepare for school each morning.  If you need help with providing meals for your child or are in need of transportation, please contact your child’s principal. 

 

Schedule appointments outside of school hours: Whenever possible, schedule doctor's appointments, dental check-ups, and other appointments during non-school hours.  Even missing a half day of school for an appointment can be disruptive to your child’s academic experience. 

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