Student Attendance in GSCS High Schools
February 1, 2023
To: All Bethlehem Families
From: Mr. B. Stroh
Subject: GSCS Student Attendance Policy
Student Attendance in GSCS High Schools
Regular attendance and engagement in learning are essential for academic success and are expected of all students.
To remain engaged, successful and on track to graduation, students are expected to attend at least 80% of their face-to-face classes. Attending school every day reduces stress, increases student engagement, and positively contributes to learning and achievement. Assessment in face-to-face classes goes beyond submitted work and includes teacher observations of learning, and student participation in class discussions and learning activities. Teacher observations and student participation in a face-to-face class can only occur when present in class.
It is understood that some absences may be unavoidable. Parents are asked to report student absences through Edsby or by contacting 306-659-7906. While unavoidable, these absences still result in missed instruction and assessment, and parents and students are encouraged to reach out to their teachers through Edsby or email to discus a plan for success.
Parents will be notified of any attendance concerns and may be asked to participate in developing a plan for improvement with the school team and the student. The goal and purpose of this plan will always be student success.
Attendance Support Plan
In GSCS high schools, the following progressive interventions are in place to support students in partnership with the family.
Parents/guardians will be contacted through Edsby each day there is an unexplained absence.
At 5-10 absences, the classroom teacher will reach out to the student and parent/guardian.
At 10 absences, an administrator, teacher counsellor, or another student advocate will contact a parent/guardian and, in partnership with the student and family, may develop a plan for improvement. Further absences may require a meeting with the school’s attendance support team.
At 20 absences, a school administrator will connect with the family to discuss options related to student success. This may result in the student being withdrawn from the course with the possibility of being rescheduled in the next available class.
