Attendance Information

Parents and guardians can report student absences, late arrivals and appointments by phone or email at any time.

Attendance Phone: 616-254-6708
Attendance Email: msattendance@gpsbulldogs.org

Reporting a Student Absence

When reporting an absence, please provide:

• Your name

• Student's first and last name

• Student's grade

• Date of absence

• Reason for absence

Important: Absences reported without a reason will be recorded as unexcused in accordance with board policy.

Late Arrivals and Early Dismissals

If your student will arrive late or needs to leave school for an appointment, please notify the Attendance Office.

For early dismissals:

• Call at least one hour before your requested pickup time whenever possible.

• Provide the time your student needs to leave.

• The office will arrange for your student to receive a pass and report to the office for pickup.

• Students leaving before the regular 2:41 p.m. dismissal time must be signed out by a parent or guardian.

• If someone other than a parent or guardian will pick up your student, please provide that person's information when contacting the Attendance Office.

Advance notice helps minimize classroom interruptions and allows staff to prepare for your student's departure.

Planned or Extended Absences

If your student will be absent for a vacation or another planned absence, please notify the Attendance Office at least one week in advance.

• Report the planned absence by phone or email, even if you have already informed your student's teachers.

• The Attendance Office will prepare an extended absence form after receiving your notification.

• Your student must take the form to each of their teachers.

Notifying teachers directly does not replace the requirement to report the absence to the Attendance Office.