Resources

George Washington High School Attendance Policy

If a student is absent any time during school hours, parent/guardian/caregiver must complete the Google Absent form on our school website and allow at least 5 days to reflect in Synergy. TELEPHONE CALLS ARE NOT ACCEPTED to report or clear student’s absence. Parent/guardian/caregiver may receive an automated call from SFUSD even after the Google Absent form has been completed.

Here is the URL and QR code to the Google Absent form:

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1ju8hzmz-9kN7sm0UN72cv2NR--z7mJAtPzR29AzCwck/edit

If the parent/caregiver/caregiver does not complete the Google Absent form with a valid excused absence, the student will receive an Unexcused Absence.

For Permit to Leave School

Students will need to submit a written note from parent/guardian/caregiver to Ms. Lee in room 8 during Advisory or lunch period. Ms. Lee will issue a PERMIT TO LEAVE for students to leave school. Note must have the student’s first and last name, date, time, reason to leave school and parent/guardian/caregiver signature.

Excused Absences

Verification of student absences is accepted only from parent/guardian/caregiver.

1.    Due to the pupil's illness, including an absence for the benefit of the pupil’s mental or behavioral health.

2.    Due to quarantine under the direction of a county or city health officer.

3.    For the purpose of having medical, dental, optometric, or chiropractic services rendered.

4.    For the purpose of attending the funeral services of a member of the pupil's immediate family, so long as the absence is not more than one day if the service is conducted in California and not more than three days if the service is conducted outside California.

5.    For the purpose of jury duty in the manner provided for by law. 

6.    Due to the illness or medical appointment during school hours of a child of whom the pupil is the custodial parent, including absences to care for a sick child, for which the school shall not require a note from a doctor.

7.    For justifiable personal reasons, including, but not limited to, an appearance in court, attendance at a funeral service, observance of a holiday or ceremony of the pupil's religion, attendance at religious retreats (not to exceed four hours per semester), attendance at an employment conference, attendance at an educational conference on the legislative or judicial process offered by a nonprofit organization, or a visit to a college or university, when the student’s absence has been requested in writing by the parent or guardian and approved in advance by the principal or a designated representative pursuant to uniform standards established by the governing board.

8.    For the purpose of serving as a member of a precinct board for an election.

9.    For the purpose of spending time with an immediate family member who is an active duty member of the uniformed services, and has been called to duty for, is on leave from, or has immediately returned from, deployment to a combat zone or a combat support position. Absences shall be granted for a period of time to be determined at the discretion of the superintendent of the school district.

10. For the purpose of attending the pupil's naturalization ceremony to become a United States citizen.

11. For the purpose of participating in a cultural ceremony or event.

12. To participate in religious exercises or to receive moral and religious instruction, subject to the following conditions: the student has parent/guardian written consent for the absence; is in grades 4-12; shall attend at least the minimum school day; and shall be excused from school for this purpose on no more than four days per school month, and no more than 60 minutes on a single day once a week, during the last hour of the school day.

13. For the purpose of a middle school or high school pupil engaging in a civic or political event, provided that the pupil notifies the school ahead of the absence.

14.  Authorized at the discretion of a school administrator.

Unexcused Absences

1.    Missing class or school without an excused or approved reason, whether the absence is student or parent/guardian/caregiver-initiated (e.g., for childcare or household shopping).

2.    Absences for which advance approval is necessary and was not obtained before the absence.

It should be noted that missing a full day, a class period or being tardy in any amount of minutes beyond the bell is unacceptable and may result in loss of some school privileges or eligibility for attendance incentive recognitions. The school may request a meeting with the student and parent to agree on action steps.