Gatewood Attendance Policies and Procedures

It is the responsibility of a student’s parent/guardian to notify the school office when a student is going to be absent or late (tardy). This notification needs to be made before 8:30 a.m. on the morning of the absence or tardiness. Notification needs to be provided each day your student will be absent.

Three ways to report an absent or late (tardy) student:

1. Call the school office at 206-252-9400 . Calls or emails to a classroom teacher are not always relayed in a timely manner to the attendance secretary. For this reason, it is very important that you contact the school office first, with teacher contact being an optional choice. If the office is closed when you call, you may leave a voicemail message including your name, the student’s name, and reason for the absence.
2. Email the school attendance mailbox gatewood.attendance@seattleschools.org. Include the student’s name and the reason for the absence.
3. Stop In and notify the office in person.

Planning a Trip? Expecting a Medical Absence?

You must notify the school office at least 10 days in advance to make homework arrangements and get approval from the school principal if you are planning an extended absence. You will need to fill out the Gatewood Elementary Planned Absence Form (also available in the school office) for any absence that is 1 Full Day or more in length .

Keep your contact information up to date!

It is extremely important that you notify the school office to any changes to your home, work, or mobile phone numbers so we may reach you. If a student is absent and a parent has not reported the absence, we must contact you to assure your student is safe.

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SPS Attendance Information

SPS Student Attendance

All children in Washington state have a constitutionally guaranteed right to an education. They are also legally required to attend school. Chronic absenteeism is defined as a student missing 10% of school, regardless of the reason — that’s 18 days in a school year!

Regular school attendance is the key to student academic success. Attendance has a dramatic impact on key milestones, including 3rd grade reading, 9th grade achievement, high school graduation, and life success.

Unexcused Absences and Truancy – WA State Law “Becca Bill”

If a student has unexcused absences, Washington state law requires that schools take specific actions:

How can families help?

We miss your student when they are gone, and we value their contributions to their school. Please help us ensure your student attends regularly and is successful in school:

• Have your child attend school unless they are truly sick, such as a fever, vomiting, diarrhea, a contagious rash, any health conditions related to COVID-19 or other communicable diseases as defined in WA state law.
  • When is my child too sick for school?
• Schedule appointments and arrange travel for times when school is not in session.
• Keep track of your child’s attendance. Missing school, excused or unexcused, puts your child at risk of falling behind.
  • Compulsory Attendance Letters (translations available)
• Maintain communication with your student’s school and teacher if additional support is needed or to discuss barriers that prevent your student from participation.
• Set a regular bedtime and morning routine. Ensure that your child finishes their homework the night before.

Contact your school:

• To report a student absence
• If you have a question about an automated message you received
• If you have general attendance questions

Contact the SPS Attendance Office:

• If you have questions about truancy
• If you have questions about an attendance letter you received from the district or court

SPS Attendance Office
attendance@seattleschools.org 
206-252-0827
SPS Attendance Office webpage