When a student is absent, the parent/guardian may email the Attendance Office (fghsattendance@wcpss.net) the day of the absence OR the student MUST bring a note signed by their parent/guardian to the Front Office upon their return.* 

The note MUST include the following: 

• Full name of student
• Date(s) of absences
• Reason for absence*
• Phone number where parent/guardian can be reached during the day
• Parent/Guardian signature

Students have (2) school days to submit a note after their absence/tardy.  If a student does not bring a note within the two days of returning to school, the absence/tardy will be marked unexcused.* FGHS Excuse Note 

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Unexcused absences include, but are not limited to: missed bus, oversleeping, car trouble, personal errands, family trips, part-time job, DMV/Passport appointments, and failure to bring an excuse note in the alloted time frame. Students should communicate with their teachers about make-up work.

If a student is absent due to an illness 5 or more consecutive days, we require a doctor's note to be turned into the Front Office.

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WCPSS Excused Absences are as follows:

• Illness or injury
• Death in the family
• Healthcare appointment
• Court appearance
• Religious Observance
• Natural Disaster
• Outside Educational opportunities (you will need to complete the 'Request for Excused Absence for Educational Reasons' form)

*For more information on the WCPSS Attendance Policy please visit their website:

WCPSS Policy Code: 4400 Attendance

WCPSS Attendance & Absences

When an absence has an EDUCATIONAL component to it, you MUST complete the form titled 'Request for Excused Absence for Educational Reasons' that can be found below.  Please turn in (you may email the completed form to fghsattendance@wcpss.net) the completed form at least 48 hours in advance of the trip to the Front Office.  If/when the principal approves it, your student's Infinite Campus will be updated with an excused absence for the corresponding dates.  If you do not turn in this form, or if your request is not approved, it will be entered as an 'unexcused absence'.

Educational Absence Form

We want to clarify what qualifies as an excused absence according to WCPSS Board Policy.  An excused absence is a situation where a student's temporary absence from school is approved due to circumstances deemed valid by educational authorities (WCPSS).  These circumstances include:

• illness or injury
• death in the family
• health care appointments
• court appearances 
• religious observance
• natural disasters
• outside educational opportunities (approval required)

This policy seeks to uphold academic integrity while accommodating the diverse needs and responsibilities of its student body and their families.  Knowing these guidelines helps ensure transparency and fairness in managing attendance records and supporting your child's educational journey.  

For more information on the WCPSS Attendance Policy please visit their website:

WCPSS Policy Code: 4400 Attendance

WCPSS Attendance & Absences