Attendance
Be Here. It Matters.
At Gettysburg Area School District, Being Here is the first step of the Warrior Way.
Being present at school gives students the opportunity to learn, build relationships, participate in activities, and make the most of their school experience. Every day matters, and regular attendance helps our Warriors stay connected to their classrooms, teachers, classmates, and school community.
We know students may occasionally need to be absent. When that happens, families can use Skyward Family Access to enter attendance/absence information for their students or contact their school by phone. Skyward is a web-based system available 24 hours a day.
The Gettysburg Area School District follows attendance procedures in accordance with Board Policy 204 Attendance and in compliance with the Pennsylvania Department of Education's compulsory attendance requirements.
Student Absences
Parents/guardians can use Skyward Family Access to submit attendance information for absence, late arrival, or early dismissal.
Attendance Secretary Contact Information
Families may also report an absence by email. View the attendance secretary contact information in the panel below.
Late Arrivals and Early Dismissals
We know getting to school on time and staying for the full school day helps students make the most of their learning. Please plan accordingly to ensure your student arrives on time and remains in school for the full day whenever possible.
Secondary Schools
- Schools open: 7:05 a.m.
- Tardy: Students arriving after 7:25 a.m. are considered tardy.
- Half-day absence: Students arriving after 8:55 a.m. or leaving before 12:45 p.m. are considered absent for a half day.
Elementary Schools
- Schools open: 8:20 a.m.
- Tardy: Students arriving after 8:40 a.m. are considered tardy.
- Half-day absence: Students arriving after 10:10 a.m. or leaving before 1:30 p.m. are considered absent for a half day.
Early Dismissals
If your student needs to leave school before the end of the school day, please follow your school's early dismissal procedures. Students must be signed out by an authorized adult, and families should provide the school with the reason for the early dismissal when required.
Whenever possible, please schedule appointments and other activities outside of the school day. Regular attendance includes being present for the entire school day.
Excuse Note Information
Reporting an absence lets the school know your student will not be in attendance. When your student returns to school, a parent/guardian excuse note must be submitted within three school days. If a doctor treated your student, the excuse note should be written by the doctor using the Physician's Note below. Four or more consecutive absences can be excused only with a note from the physician. Any student with 10 accumulated absences will be placed on "Doctor Required," meaning each absence thereafter requires a physician's note.
Excuses may be submitted through the Attendance module in Skyward Family Access or through your school's front office with the appropriate form below. These forms are examples that may be used as a guide. Our district will continue to accept handwritten notes as well as documentation submitted directly by a medical provider.
Attendance Excuse Notes in English and Spanish
Physician's Note for School in English and Spanish
When a student is absent, families will receive an automated notification phone call with a reminder to submit attendance information.
Examples of excused absences
Excused absences still require an excuse note to be submitted.
- Illness/surgery/medical appointment
- Death in the family/family emergency
- Required court attendance
- Observance of a religious holiday specified by the Pennsylvania Department of Education, upon prior written parental request
- Other urgent reasons approved by the principal
Anticipated trips or event absences:
- Participation in a project sponsored by a statewide or countywide 4-H, FFA or combined 4-H and FFA group upon prior written request.
- A pre-planned educational trip and college visit request form should be submitted at least seven days before the first day of the trip.
Educational Trips and College Visits
Students may participate in educational trips, tours, and/or college visits for up to eight days during the school year and receive excused absences when all program requirements are met.
Students are responsible for completing any classwork, assignments, or activities they miss while participating in an approved educational trip, tour, or college visit. If your child will miss school for an educational trip, tour, or college visit, the Educational Tour, Trip, and College Visit Form below must be completed and returned to the school office at least seven days before the first day of the trip. Trips or visits that are not approved in advance will be recorded as unlawful absences.
Educational Tour, Trip, and College Visit Approval Request Form in English and Spanish
Educational trips, tours, and college visits will not be approved during the following times:
- The first 10 days of the school year
- The last 10 days of the school year
- The last 10 days of the semester in grades 9-12
- State testing periods
These times are reserved for important instructional activities and the completion of the school year.
Student Support Resources
If your student misses three unexcused days, the school shall issue written notice to the parent/guardian of their failure to comply with school attendance policies. A "first notice" warning letter of the unlawful absences will be sent. The school will also schedule a meeting with the family to assist in attendance improvement measures. Each occurrence of any unlawful absences of four days or more following the "first notice" letter could result in penalties or fines imposed by the Magisterial District Judge in addition to any impending consequences set forth by district policy.
The following resources below are available at the building level to ensure your student receives the support and services to meet their full potential inside and outside the classroom. For assistance in accessing these resources, please speak with your school counselor, principal, or front office staff.
People Who Can Help
- School Social Worker: Works with students, families, and school staff to identify and address barriers to regular school attendance. Social workers may help develop and coordinate supports that encourage students to attend consistently.
- School Counselor: Supports students' academic, social, and emotional needs and works with students and families to remove barriers to school success and regular attendance.
- School Nurse: Works with students and families to address health-related concerns that may affect a student's ability to attend school.
- Mentors: Provides students with encouragement, connection, and a trusted relationship that can help them feel supported and connected to school.
- Special Education Staff: Works with students, families, and staff to support students receiving special education or gifted services.
Programs and Supports
- After-School Tutoring and Programs: Provide additional academic support and opportunities for students to stay connected to learning outside of the regular school day.
- Transportation: When transportation is a barrier to attendance, families can work with the district to explore available transportation supports.
- Student Assistance Program: Provides support to students who may be experiencing challenges that interfere with their success at school. The program connects students with appropriate school-based and community resources.
- School Attendance Improvement Conference: When attendance concerns persist, the school may bring together the student, family, and appropriate school staff to develop a plan for improving attendance and addressing barriers to regular school attendance.
- Children and Youth Services: When appropriate, the district may work with the Adams County Children and Youth Services and other community agencies to support the safety, well-being, and educational success of students.
Why Attendance Matters: Your Path to Graduation
Every school day is one step closer to earning a high school diploma.
A high school diploma is an important milestone that can open doors to college, career training, military service, employment, and other opportunities after graduation.
Consistent attendance helps students stay connected to their learning, keep up with coursework, and build the habits they need for success beyond high school.
Attending school also means being part of the Warrior community, learning alongside classmates, building relationships with teachers, participating in activities, and making memories.
Be Here. Be Involved. Be Committed. Be Kind. These are the four core values of the Warrior Way. Every day counts toward the future you are working to define.
