Regular attendance in all classes is an expectation of all Gorzycki MS students. State law and District policy states that students must be in attendance for 90% of the instructional days for a class to receive credit. A student who misses more days than allowed by AISD policy may not be given credit for that class unless a campus attendance committee finds, through an appeals process, that the absences are the result of extenuating circumstances. Only serious documented illnesses and family emergencies are considered excused absences. Parent notes do not necessarily excuse an absence or tardy.

When returning to school after an absence, a student must bring a note to the attendance officer, signed by the parent that describes the reason for the absence and a doctor’s note/receipt, if applicable. Notes signed by the student, even with the parent’s permission, will be considered a forgery and the student will be disciplined. Parent notes will be accepted for up to three consecutive days of illness if received within 48 hours of the student’s return to school. Failure to provide notes in this time frame will cause the absence to be marked UNEXCUSED in the student’s attendance record.

Notification of absences:
An electronic phone message or email will be sent to the primary contact of any student who is given an unexcused absence, on the day the absence is recorded. On the third unexcused absence, within a four-week period, the district’s central office is notified and a letter is sent home to the parent of the student. After the tenth unexcused absence it is the legal responsibility of the school to file truancy charges against both the parent and child with the Travis County Justice of the Peace. The consequences of which can include a fine of up to $600.00 for each truancy offense.

Attendance Appeal Process:
If students do not meet the legal requirements of a minimum of 90% attendance for their classes, they will need to follow the appeal process as outlined in District Policy. Community service hours may be assigned to students who do not meet this requirement. For more information regarding this process, please go to:
http://www.tasb.org/policy/pol/private/227901/pol.cfm
Or, see the attendance clerk for help in locating the policy.

Permit to Leave School:
When it is necessary to leave school, you must have written permission from your parent or guardian.

1. You must bring a written note to the Commons, where a staff member is writing permits, prior to 8:10 a.m.
2. A parent must sign a student out at the office before leaving campus.
3. You must present the permit to any teacher whose class you missed.
4. Upon returning to campus, students should have a signed doctor's note or a note from their parent.

Tardy Permits:

• Tardy to School: After 8:15 a.m., you are late to school. A tardy permit must be obtained from an office staff member if you are late to school. A note signed by a parent or guardian stating the date, time of arrival, and the reason for the tardy should be presented.
• Tardy to Class: You are tardy if you are not in the proper room when the bell begins to ring. The individual student's team of teachers will decide upon the consequences for class tardies. However, on the fifth tardy, the student will be referred to the grade level assistant principal for administrative consequences.

Homework Requests:
See Homework Requests