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Gwinnett County Public Schools

Every Day Counts in GCPS!

Students in the Seckinger doing classwork

There is Power in being Present. A student learns and grows with every classroom lesson learned, with every friendship made, and with every extracurricular interaction. Those connections happen when students are in school, and every day counts! The following resources outline the importance of daily attendance at school and provide support resources for families.

Understanding Attendance Notifications: What Families Should Know 

Regular school attendance plays an important role in student learning, confidence, and connection to teachers and classmates. Gwinnett County Public Schools works closely with families to support strong attendance and to provide help when challenges arise. 

Families may receive attendance letters during the school year. These letters are intended to inform, support, and connect families with resources, not to punish or alarm. Families will receive different attendance messages during the school year. These messages fall into two different categories, and understanding the difference can be helpful. 

Under Georgia state law and guidance, school districts are required to: 

  • Track student absences, excused and unexcused 
  • Notify families when absences reach certain levels 
  • Offer support and intervention when needed 

Attendance letters are one way schools keep families informed and provide opportunities to work together early. 

Attendance Support Notifications  Required Notices for Unexcused Absences 

These are supportive reminders sent when total absences (excused or unexcused) reach certain levels. 

You will receive messages at: 

  • 3 days – Informational reminder and offer of support 
  • 7 days – Encouragement to connect with the school and discuss any concerns 
  • 12 days – Request for timely attention and partnership to support attendance 

These messages are meant to: 

  • Keep families informed 
  • Offer help early 
  • Prevent small concerns from becoming larger challenges 

Schools are also required to send formal notices when a student reaches: 

  • 5 unexcused absences 
  • 10 unexcused absences 
  • 15 unexcused absences 

These notices are outlined in district procedures and state law and may include: 

  • Information about possible interventions 
  • Invitations to meetings to support attendance 
  • Information about legal requirements for school attendance 

Parents and guardians receive written notice at these levels as part of district procedure.  

If attendance is a challenge, please contact your child’s school if your family is experiencing: 

  • Illness or health concerns 
  • Transportation issues 
  • Family circumstances 
  • Any other barriers 

Schools are here to help and work with families on solutions. 

Questions? Contact your child’s school. We appreciate your partnership in supporting your child’s success. 

School is in Session: Fast Facts about Attendance

What is gcps doing to combat Chronic Absenteeism?

  • To ensure every student stays on track, each school has an attendance team. This group works to support students facing attendance challenges by creating personalized plans that help them get back to class. 

  • Nudging families within ParentSquare when students have missed 3, 5, 7, and 10 days of school.

What can I do to combat Chronic Absenteeism?

  • Use the ParentVUE app to check your student’s attendance and academic progress regularly, and reach out to their teacher or counselor whenever you need support.
     
  • Connect with teachers or tutors if your student needs extra help. Please make sure contact information is up-to-date.

Battling Chronic Absenteeism - Articles by GCPS