Counselor's Corner

Meet Our Counselors

Attendance Information

Please Be Advised 
Gwinnett County Schools employs a system that automatically generates a letter once a student accumulates 3/7/12 days of absences. 

Reporting Absences
If your child is absent, please provide documentation so the absence can be reviewed and updated appropriately. Families may submit absence information by:

• Parent View (If same day it must be submitted prior to 9:00am). 
• Sending a written note
• Messaging the teacher or school counselor through ParentSquare (this will prompt an email to the student’s teacher/counselor). 

In addition to parent/guardian communication, we also accept any supporting documentation related to the absence (doctor’s notes, appointment documentation, court documentation, etc.). Please submit documentation as soon as possible so attendance records can be updated accurately.

After 6 Unexcused Absences
Per our Local School Attendance Plan, families will be contacted by the school counselor after a student reaches six unexcused absences. During this communication, we will:

• Review whether any absences may need to be updated to excused
• Discuss attendance concerns
• Determine whether the student may benefit from a school-based attendance incentive or support program

After 10 Unexcused Absences
Once a student reaches ten unexcused absences, the parent/guardian will be invited to attend a SARC (Student Attendance Review Committee) meeting.

The meeting team will include:

• Grade-level administrator
• School counselor
• School social worker
• Teacher
• Parent/guardian* 

* If a parent/guardian is unable to respond or attend despite multiple forms of communication, the meeting will proceed with the parent/guardian included in the process as much as possible.

The purpose of the meeting is to identify possible barriers to attendance and collaborate on solutions to help students attend school regularly and arrive on time. If unexcused absences continue beyond this point, Gwinnett County attendance protocols and procedures will be followed. Additional county attendance information and documentation will be attached below.

Georgia Compulsory Attendance Law
All students ages 6 through 16 are required to attend school regularly. Additionally, any student who has been enrolled in a Georgia public school for 20 or more days is considered subject to the state’s Compulsory Attendance Law, regardless of their age.

This means that once a student has attended school for 20 days, the school is required by law to monitor attendance and follow the appropriate procedures if absences are unexcused. These procedures include contacting families, providing support and interventions, and, if necessary, holding SARC meetings to address attendance concerns.

Reference: O.C.G.A. § 20-2-690.1

Tardy Procedures

The first bell rings at 7:45 AM for students to enter the building.
Students are expected to be in their classrooms, seated, and ready to learn by 8:10 AM.

Arriving After 8:10 AM

For student safety, parents/guardians must walk students into the front office after 8:10 AM.
At that time, staff members have already begun instructional duties and are no longer available to supervise student drop-off areas.
Thank you for helping us keep all students safe by:

• Escorting late students into the building
• Avoiding parking in fire lanes during drop-off

GCPS Attendance Definitions

Chronic Absenteeism
A student is considered chronically absent when they miss 10% or more of enrolled school days during the school year, whether absences are excused or unexcused.

Truant
A student who is subject to compulsory attendance laws and accumulates ten or more unexcused absences during a calendar school year is considered truant.

Unexcused Absences
Unexcused absences occur when a student does not attend school for reasons that do not meet the county’s criteria for excused absences.

Excused Absences

• When a personal illness or attendance in school endangers a student’s health or the health of others. Documentation may be required within five days of student’s return to school.
• A serious illness or death in a student's immediate family necessitating absence from school. Documentation may be required within five days of student’s return to school.
• A court order by a government agency, including pre-induction physical examinations for service in the Armed Forces mandating absence from school.
• Observing religious holidays which necessitate absence from school. In some instances, documentation may be requested.
• Conditions rendering attendance impossible or hazardous to student health or safety.
• An absence not to exceed one day for registering to vote.
• Out-of-school suspensions.
• Visiting with a parent or legal guardian prior to or during leave from deployment to a combat zone or combat support posting as a member of the Armed Forces or the National Guard (maximum of five school days per year).

Please note: Families may also be contacted by the district regarding a student’s total number of absences, including excused absences, in addition to communication from school staff.

Attendance and Academic Success
Regular school attendance is directly linked to academic achievement. Students who attend school consistently have better grades, stronger skills, and more opportunities to participate in classroom learning and activities. Even a few missed days can make it harder for students to keep up with lessons, complete assignments, and feel confident in their learning.