Attendance Information
Attendance Information
Absences
When a student is absent from school for any reason, other than a school function, it is the responsibility of the parent or guardian to notify the attendance office on the day of the absence, stating the reason for the absence and the anticipated duration of absence. Any requests for assignments should be made to the student’s teachers, at this time. After a student has been absent three times from any class, an attendance letter indicating the dates of the student's absences will be mailed home to the parent. This warning letter will state the 90% attendance requirement for class credit.
Attendance may take 24-48 hours to be updated.
Leaving Campus Dental, Doctor, or Legal Appointments
GHS is a closed campus. When it is necessary for a student to leave campus for any reason, parents are required to contact the attendance office before the student has permission to leave, regardless of the student’s age. Please submit early dismissal requests 2-3 hours in advance, if possible, to accommodate for classes involving PE/sports/off campus activities. Students will not be released after 3:30, unless the parent notifies the attendance office before 3pm.
Parents may contact the attendance office one the following ways:
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Skyward Parent Portal
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Direct phone: (512)943-5113
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Parents/Guardians may provide a handwritten note, which the student may hand deliver to the attendance office
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Sign in at the front desk with a picture ID and present the picture ID at the attendance office, per district policy.
The student will sign out in the attendance office, and sign back in upon return to campus. Students are asked to bring verification from the dentist/doctor/lawyer or judge that the appointment was met. This verification serves as a basis for excusing the absence and the student will be counted present for the entire day.
Before signing out for illness, a student must see the nurse or a principal who will contact a parent/guardian before the student is allowed to leave. Students must not contact a parent or guardian before visiting with the nurse or principal.
Class Absences
If a student misses more than (15) minutes of class time the student will be counted absent for that class period. The nature of the excuse and the amount of time the student is late will determine whether the absence is changed to a tardy or an unexcused absence. Extenuating circumstances will be dealt with on an individual basis.
Driver's License: Verification of Enrollment (VOE) and Attendance
For a student between the ages of 15 and 18 to obtain a learner’s permit/driver's license, the Texas Department of Public Safety requires a written form of parental consent to access the student's records (Verification of Enrollment), for purposes of verifying 90 percent attendance for course credit. VOE forms can be picked up in your student’s assistant principal's office.
College/University/Institute Visit
Juniors will be allowed one day, and seniors will be allowed two days for college/university/institute visits. Prior to leaving campus for their visit, the student and parent/guardian need to fill out a request form. Please see the Important Forms link on this website for the Request form, or these forms can be found in the attendance office. The student will also need to bring documentation FROM the college/university/institute visit to the Attendance Office when you return. Types of acceptable documentation include signatures from Admissions Office, Financial Aid Officer, Campus Tour Guide, Department Advisor, etc.