Attendance

Compulsory School Attendance


Compulsory school attendance is required of all children between the ages of six and sixteen residing within the State of Georgia. The responsibility for ensuring the regular attendance of a school-age child lies with the parent, guardian, or other person with whom the child resides (O.C.G.A.20-2-690.1).


In an effort to improve student attendance, Lowndes County Schools has established procedures to address student absences from school. Through the combined efforts of the building level principal, classroom teachers, parents/guardians, school system social workers, local law enforcement officials and the Southern Judicial Circuit, the goal to improve student attendance will be achieved. It is not the desire of Lowndes County Schools that students attend school when ill; however, there is a direct relationship between school attendance and academic performance. Therefore, every reasonable attempt should be made for students to attend school to help ensure their academic success.

Students learn best when they attend school everyday.  When students miss school, they miss important lessons and essential skills needed for academic success.

Regular attendance establishes patterns of responsibility and commitment that will serve students throughout their lives, including in the workplace, the military, and college, or trade school. To support students and families, the school’s attendance initiative is dedicated to removing barriers to regular attendance.

We are striving to:

Improve daily student attendance
Increase communication between the school and parents/guardians or families
Connect students and families to resources that meet their individual needs and help them overcome obstacles to regular attendance.


There are numerous issues - Social, medical, or family -- that can impact a student’s attendance.  As serious as these issues may be, all can be overcome with support from school, staff, family members, and service providers who partner with our schools.



Attendance Tips for Parents:

Support your child’s education.  School offers exceptional learning opportunities everyday.  Help your child be at school all day, everyday!

Let children know that good attendance is important.  Show them that you are interested in their school activities and want them to do well in school.
Communicate with school staff.  Let them know in advance if your child is going to be absent or if you have concerns about your child’s attendance or school performance.
Observe the school schedule.  Plan family vacations during school holidays and schedule children’s doctor appointments after school hours whenever possible.  Come back to school after doctor/dentist appointments 
Establish a routine.  Make sure children have homework done, classroom materials together, and clothes laid out the night before school.  Make sure they get enough sleep so that they are well rested in the morning.


A child who misses a day of school, Misses a day of learning.