08/14/2026
Important Attendance Reminder – New Mississippi Attendance Law
Mississippi’s New Attendance Law and PGSD District Attendance Procedures.
Beginning this school year, the State of Mississippi is using the term “unlawful absence” in place of “unexcused absence.”
Please remember the following regarding absences:
All excuses must be submitted in writing.
You may still call the school to let us know that your child will be absent; however, a phone call does not serve as the required written excuse.
Written excuses must be received by the school no later than 10:00 a.m. on the day the student returns to school.
If a written excuse is not received by 10:00 a.m., the absence will be recorded as an unlawful absence.
Please make sure written documentation is submitted promptly when your child returns to school. With the changes to Mississippi’s attendance law, it is very important that we have the appropriate documentation on file.
Thank you for helping us keep accurate attendance records and ensure your child’s attendance is documented correctly.
Gautier Elementary School
