Student Handbook

Attendance is a key factor in student achievement, and students are expected to be present each day that school is in session. Did you know that missing 10% of a school year can make it harder to learn how to read? Students can fall behind after missing just one or two days every few weeks. Attendance is an important life skill that will help you child graduate not only from high school, but also from college. Having this life skill will allow to be successful in their chosen career field as well. 

Tardiness and Check-Ins:
Late arrivals must check in at the office with a note or a parent. Excessive tardiness can result in disciplinary action or truancy reporting.
Absence Notes:
Parents must provide a written note within 5 school days explaining absences. Beyond 10 absences, a doctor’s note is required. *Schools may decide on a shorter window for the submission of written notes.

Tiered Truancy Interventions:
GMSD follows a 3-tier system to address attendance issues:

• Tier 1: School counseling and support.
• Tier 2: Attendance contracts and regular follow-ups with students and families.
• Tier 3: More serious interventions, including community service, or legal actions.

While specific procedures may vary between schools, all schools adhere to our district's grading policies. Students can monitor grades in real time through Skyward and stay on top of assignments in Schoology (available for grades 4-12).

Dress & Conduct Codes

Schools may adopt specific dress code rules, but in general, students may wear what they choose within the following guidelines:

• Clothes should be neat, modest, and free of offensive images or language.
• Hats, hoods, and other head coverings may not be allowed indoors unless for religious or medical reasons.
• Dress appropriately for school to avoid distractions and maintain a positive learning environment 
• If you're unsure about what's allowed, check your school's handbook or ask a teacher or administrator.

GMSD wants to ensure that all students are provided the opportunity to learn and grow in a sound environment. This includes discipline for students who are not aiming to get the most out of the educational experience, or students who are disturbing others as they pursue their own education. 

• Bullying, harassment, or any form of intimidation is strictly prohibited. Report any incidents to a trusted adult.
• Use school property responsibly—damaging or defacing property could result in disciplinary actions.
• Keep personal devices like cell phones away during class unless your teacher says otherwise.
• Do not bring prohibited items, including drugs, alcohol, or weapons, to school.

All students are given a device for learning.

Blended Learning combines technology-enhanced learning with face-to-face teaching to create a personalized experience tailored to each student’s needs. This model gives students more control over the time, place, path, and pace of their learning while preparing them for college and future careers. By integrating devices students already use daily, GMSD engages learners in meaningful ways, improving achievement, attendance, and overall engagement.

In GMSD, all students have access to their own devices to supercharge their learning:

• Middle and High School Students: Each student is issued a Chromebook after completing a few quick setup steps.
• Elementary Students (K-5): iPads (K-3) and Chromebooks (4-5) are available for every student, managed by classroom teachers for in-class use.

GMSD Blended Learning Hub