Attendance
Attendance Guide: Matt Elementary
What to Do If Your Child Is Absent
A parent or guardian must submit a written or emailed notice with the date and reason for the absence within 5 days.
Where to Send Notes:
Submit doctor and parent notes to:
- Your child’s teacher, and/or Sherri Rowland
- Email: srowland@forsyth.k12.ga.us
Excused Absences Include:
- Personal illness
- Serious illness or death in the student’s immediate family
- Court order
- Religious holidays
- Scheduled medical, dental, or eye appointments
- Voting
- Visiting a parent in military service
Important Attendance Information
Chronic Absenteeism Levels
- Satisfactory: 9 or fewer absences
- Moderate: 10–17 absences
- Severe: 18 or more absences
Additional Notes
- Family vacations or extended trips are not excused absences.
- After 10 parent notes, a medical note is required.
- Missing just 2 days per month can make it harder for students to learn basic reading and math skills.
For More Information
- Georgia Code § 20‑2‑690.1
- FCBOE Policy JB: Student Attendance
Attendance Guide: Is My Child Too Sick for School?
When Should a Child Stay Home?
A child should stay home from school if any of the following have occurred within the last 24 hours:
- Fever of 100.4°F or higher
- Vomiting and/or diarrhea
- Frequent or persistent cough
- Persistent pain (such as stomach pain or ear pain)
- Widespread rash
- An antibiotic was prescribed and the student has not been on the medication for at least 24 hours
Children who do not have a fever and have only mild symptoms (such as a runny nose, mild cough, or other cold symptoms) may attend school.
Matt Elementary Health Support
School Nurse:
Heidi Duckwall, RN, BSN
Phone: 678‑455‑4500 ext. 280417
Fax: 678‑455‑4514
Email: hduckwall@forsyth.k12.ga.us