PSD Attendance Update

Dear GHHS Families,

Regular school attendance is essential for student success, and our district is committed to supporting every student in achieving strong attendance habits. If your child will be absent, please notify the school office in the morning via phone, email, or written note. Excused absences include medical appointments, family emergencies, religious observances, court proceedings, and college visits, among others, as outlined in Policy and Procedure 3122/3122P.

Our goal is 90% daily attendance for all students. To help keep families informed, we already send text messages and auto dialer phone calls regarding absences. On March 9, PSD started sending automated email alerts to notify parents/guardians of concerning absence patterns. These emails were sent to the addresses listed in PowerSchool. If you receive one, please contact our school office to set up a meeting to discuss attendance support (253-530-1400).

Excused Absences Include:

• Medical appointments (physical & mental health)

• Family emergencies

• Religious/cultural observances

• Court proceedings

• College visits & scholarship interviews

Additional Qualifying Excused Absences:

• Foster care/homeless status

• Military family deployment activities

• Safety concerns or bullying

• Migrant status

• Technology access issues

Unexcused Absences:

• Parents/guardians will receive a phone call or text after each unexcused absence.

• Automated email notifications will be sent for ongoing unexcused absences.

• Students with excessive absences may receive support through community partnerships.

Our Support Approach Includes:

• Multiple contact attempts to families

• Daily absence notifications (set your preferences in PowerSchool)

• Assistance with basic needs & technology

• Personalized support plans for attendance improvement

• Community Action Boards for additional resources

Important Attendance Reminders:

• Submit absence notifications via phone, email, or written note.

• Students have the right to make up homework and tests for excused absences.

• For planned absences, check with the school to determine if they are excused.

• Alternative learning plans are available for extended illness—contact a counselor for options.

• We provide communication in your preferred language.

Thank you for working with us to ensure student success through consistent attendance.

GHHS Administration