Excused Absences
Submitting an Excuse Note
In order to excuse a student's absence, a parent/guardian must submit an excuse note either in writing or through this form. The note must state the student's first and last name, dates of absences, reason for absences, and include any official documentation. Pictures of official documentation (eg. a doctor's note) can be uploaded through the form or dropped off at the front office.
Emails will not be accepted as excuse notes. Excuse notes must be received no later than 10 days after the absence for the absence to be excused. Any notes received later than 10 days will not be accepted or entered.
What is an excused absence?
The Georgia Board of Education states that students are excused from school for the following reasons:
Personal illness or attendance in school endangering a student’s health or the health of others.
A serious illness or death in a student’s immediate family necessitating absence from school.
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.
Celebrating religious holidays, necessitating absence from school.
Conditions rendering attendance impossible or hazardous to student health or safety.
A period not to exceed one day is allowed, at the discretion of the local unit of administration, for registering to vote or voting in a public election.
Local boards of education shall count students present when they are serving as pages of the Georgia General Assembly.
During a college visit the student must turn in an excuse note given by a college official of the college visited.
Other reasons for absences may have parental approval; however, they are not designated as legal absences by state law. All absences and tardies are entered into our school portal and become a part of the student’s permanent record. Absences and tardies are noted on each progress report. Please note that tardies will not be excused.
Student absences will also be excused when a student participates in a school-sponsored event such as athletic games, club events, and field trips.
What if a student knows they will be absent?
If a student knows they are going to be absent, they or a parent can contact teachers to let them know. Teachers can provide information regarding assignments that will be missed and how to makeup the work. Upon the student's return, the parent should submit an excuse note to the attendance office. Teachers can also assist if a family is hoping to avoid conflict with major assignments (eg. tests or presentations) or important lessons when planning a doctor's visit or other reason for an absence.
