GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD) — As schools across Michigan prepare for winter Count Day Wednesday, a surge in respiratory illnesses is adding to attendance concerns.
Students must be in class and receiving instruction to be counted, but those who are absent can still be included if they meet certain conditions. Students with an excused absence have 30 days to return, while those with an unexcused absence must be back within 10 school days. Suspended students have 45 days to return.
Snow days for kids — but not for school maintenance staff
For Grand Rapids Public Schools, parents should call the main office to report an excused absence.
Count Day plays a key role in determining state funding for school districts. The winter tally accounts for 10% of funding, while the fall count in October determines the remaining 90%…