School attendance is important because it underscores the significance of learning and the importance of obtaining an education. In addition, a focus on regular attendance helps students develop good work habits that will carry over in life. Good attendance also correlates strongly with improved grades. The responsibility of school attendance is that of both parents and students. By state law, attendance in a public school, private school, or home school program is required for children between their sixth and sixteenth birthdays. 

State law recognizes the following reasons as legal absences from school:

1. Personal illness or attendance in school endangering a student's health or the health of others.
2. A serious illness or death in a student's immediate family necessitating absence from school.
3. A court order or an order by a governmental agency.
4. Observing recognized religious holidays, necessitating absence from school.
5. Conditions rending attendance impossible or hazardous to student health or safety.
6. Visiting with a parent or legal guardian prior to or during leave from deployment to a combat zone or combat support posting as a member of the armed forces of the United States or the National Guard.

At the middle school level, student attendance is marked in every class period.  If students are not present in class, they will be marked absent.  Students must be at school for half the day, or three and a half hours, to be counted present.  Students checking in late should be here before 12:30 to be counted present.  Students leaving early must stay until 12:30 to be counted present.  If a student leaves and comes back, the time gone is considered when determining absence. 

Upon a student's return to school, an absence note should be turned in to the Homeroom Teacher. Attendance notes should be in ONE of the following formats and contain the listed details:

1. A handwritten note from a parent or doctor turned into the grade level office
2. Print and turn in to the grade level office the NGMS Student Absence Excuse Note 
3. Email from a parent to the homeroom teacher AND to ngmsattendance@gcpsk12.org
4. ALL NOTES SHOULD CONTAIN:
   1. In the subject line: Student Grade
   2. Student First Name
   3. Student Last Name
   4. Student ID
   5. Date(s) of absence
   6. Reason for absence

County policy states that students who leave during the year or plan an extended trip for more than 10 school days, should be withdrawn. Please contact our Registrar, Ms. Diane Spencer, for information.

Any questions regarding attendance should be directed to the following:

6th Grade – Beth Sobocinski

7th Grade – Christine Woodring

8th Grade – Kimberly Chiaramonte