The primary objective of Catoosa County Public Schools it to help prepare students for life and to teach them how to get along with others in society. One career objective for all students is good attendance and prompt arrival to school and/or class.
All parents want their children to get the most from their school experience. As a parent, you know that what your child learns in school will help determine what they become or what they will do when they become adult members of the community.
In order to learn as much as possible, your child needs your help. It is essential to attend school regularly to profit from what is offered. You can help by making sure that your child is in school when he/she should be ant that he/she is not tardy and remains in school for the entire day.
GEORGIA COMPULSORY SCHOOL ATTENDANCE LAW states that:
"Every parent, guardian, or other person residing within this state having control or charge of any child or children between their sixth and sixteenth birthdays shall enroll and will send such child or children to a public school, a private school, or a home-study program; and such child shall be responsible for enrolling in and attending a public school, private school, or home-study program that meets the requirements for a public school, private school, or home-study program under such penalty for noncompliance with this subsection as is provided in Chapter II of Title 15, unless the child's failure to enroll and attend is caused by the child's parent, guardian, or other person, in which case the parent, guardian, or other person alone shall be responsible; provided, however, that tests and physical exams for military service and the National Guard and such other approved absences shall be excused absences. "O.C.G.A. 20-2-690.1
MIDDLE/HIGH SCHOOL ATTENDANCE POLICY
3 days per nine weeks may be excused by parent notes;
Court Appearances, Doctor/Nurse notes for absences are accepted;
Administrators my use discretion in special circumstances;
Students volunteering as a Poll Officer during primary or general election will be excused.
If your child is absent because of any of the above reasons, call the school to report why your child is absent and when the child will return to school. All students must present a written excused from a parent or doctor upon return to school. Students who are absent from school will not be permitted to participate in extracurricular activities on the day absent. All doctor notes should be specific regarding dates when students are physically unable to attend school. Middle schools require doctor notes for excessive absences. The school, and or school counselor or school social worker may investigate excessive absences if they believe the situations warrant such an investigation to promote the education, health and safety of the student.
Dental excuses will only be accepted for the time of the appointment. Dental appointments requiring more than a reasonable amount of time will necessitate a dentist's note stating what was required. When your child does return to school, please send a note, signed by one of the parents, explaining the cause of the absence.
When a parent finds it necessary for a student to be out of school for a 'justified' reason based upon circumstances, a prior written request may be submitted to the school administration for consideration. While the absences may be unexcused, the administrator may grant permission for work to be made up that would affect a course/subject grade for passing.
NOTE: FOR STUDENTS EXCUSED AS ABSENT, THE NUMBERS OF DAYS ALLOWED TO MAE-UP WORK WILL BE EQUAL TO THE NUMBER OF DAYS ABSENT, EXAMPLE: TWO DAYS ABSENT - TWO DAYS TO Complete MAKE-UP WORK.