At Shadow Ridge High School, where more than a thousand students move from class to class every day, attendance may seem like a small detail but it’s actually one of the most important parts of keeping the school running smoothly. Behind this essential system is Gail Watson, Shadow Ridge’s hardworking attendance clerk, who ensures every student is accounted for and every record is correct.
Watson describes her job in simple but important terms. “Making sure that attendance is accurate with all the students,” she explains. Every day, she receives information from parents and teachers, updates records, and processes excused and unexcused absences. She also handles attendance for special events, such as assemblies, where the student council often provides lists of who is excused.
Avery Collins, junior, states, “Ms. Watson makes it easy for my parents to come and pull me out whenever I have dentist appointments.”
When asked what her typical day looks like, Watson gives a one-word answer that sums up the job perfectly “Busy. ”From the moment the first bell rings, she is receiving phone calls, accepting notes, entering information into the school’s attendance database, and keeping track of a nonstop flow of students coming in late or leaving early.
For those situations, the process is clear, a parent must notify the school, and students must have their ID when checking in or out. These steps ensure that all attendance changes are verified and recorded properly.
To stay organized, Watson relies on two main systems a detailed filing method and the school’s digital attendance program. Everything she receives is filed physically and logged into the computer. She explains that the school uses Microsoft-based systems, while students use separate kiosks to scan their IDs, though she isn’t sure of their technical name.
Taylor Bennett, freshman, says, “I don’t know too much about her but I know she’s a big help when it comes to running this school.”
Watson also has straightforward advice for avoiding attendance issues “Being on time for class. Come to school.” Consistent attendance is not only important for learning but also for staying on track for graduation.
The hardest part of her job, she says, involves students with excessive absences. “Students that are trying to make sure they graduate that the attendance does not hold them back.” These cases often connect to truancy, which makes her role even more vital. By monitoring attendance carefully, she helps students stay eligible, informed, and on the path to finishing high school.
With her precision, patience, and commitment, Gail Watson keeps Shadow Ridge on schedule one attendance record at a time.
