When planning for appointments and vacations we ask that you try to limit days out of school. Please visit the calendar links below to reference as you plan for vacations.
2022-2023 School Year Calendar
2023-2024 School Year Calendar
Wisconsin Statutes (118.16) requires that all school age children be in regular attendance at school with total absences not to exceed ten (10) full or partial days of school per school year. If your child has an appointment with a medical professional (counselor, doctor, dentist, etc), please obtain a letter from the professional and turn it into the office to exempt the time missed. After ten (10) absences, a doctor's excuse is required. Please refer to the GMS Student Handbook for more specific information about student attendance. Students who miss more than ten (10) days of school without a doctor's note may be marked as unexcused, which could lead to truancy.
Pre-arranged Absence Form
Attendance Matters
One of the most influential roles you can play in your child's education is through encouraging and supporting your student in their daily attendance at school. Attendance matters because missing 10%+ of school days (just two days per month) can drastically impact your student’s education.
For example:
- Kindergartners and 1st graders who miss 10%+ school days are much less likely to learn to read by the end of 3rd grade
- 6th graders who miss 10%+ school days are more likely to drop out of high school
- 9th grade absenteeism predicts graduation better than even 8th grade test scores
Students who attend school regularly are more likely to succeed academically and develop healthy behaviors and life habits. Regular attendance means they are more likely to develop positive relationships with peers and teachers. Additionally, they are developing this important employability skill as well.
Attendance Tips:
- Make sure your students keep a regular bedtime and establish a morning routine.
- Turn off all electronics including TVs, phones, and tablets at bedtime. Encourage no screen time 30 minutes or more prior to bedtime.
- Make sure clothes and backpacks are ready the night before.
- Check with our school nurse or health aide if you are not sure about when to keep your child at home due to illness.
- Avoid scheduling vacations or appointments when school is in session. If your child must attend a medical appointment during the school day, please ask for a proof of appointment slip upon exit and return that to the school office upon return from the appointment.
- Talk to teachers and counselors for advice if your student feels anxious about going to school.
- Develop a back-up plan for getting your child to school if something comes up. Call on a family member, neighbor, or another parent to take your student to school.
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