Excused Absences The following reasons will be approved as an excused absence: 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. 3. A court order or an order by a governmental agency mandating absence from school. 4. The observance of religious holidays. 5. A scheduled medical, dental or eye examination of the student. The student's parent or guardian must submit a written notice stating the specific date(s) and reason(s) for a student's absence from school within five (5) school days after the student returns to school. An absence for which a written notice is not received or received past the five day time limit will be considered an unexcused absence. Unexcused Absences A student's absence from school or class for any reason other than those listed above will be considered an unexcused absence. Check-in / Check-out If a student arrives at South Forsyth Middle School after 9:00 am, then the student will be considered to be a late check - in. If a student leaves South Forsyth Middle School prior to dismissal, 4:15 pm, then the student will be considered to be an early check-out. Student check-ins and check-outs are considered excused if it is for one of the reasons listed in the excused absence section.