Latest news with #CountDay
Yahoo
12-02-2025
- Climate
- Yahoo
Michigan winter storm on collision course with critical student count day at schools
The winter storm set to roll into southeast Michigan this afternoon is on a collision course with one of the most critical days for kids to show up to school across the state: count day. Twice a year, school attendance on count days (once in October, once in February) is used to determine school funding, because funding is calculated on a per-student basis in Michigan. If your child's district seems eager to remind you about count day, that's not unusual: Schools have used everything from the promise of Detroit Pistons tickets to sweet treats to boost attendance for count days. But Wednesday could create a major dilemma for school districts across the region: A snowstorm forecast to bring as many as 4-7 inches is scheduled to start in the afternoon, with a winter weather advisory for portions of southeast Michigan starting at 1 p.m. That's only a few hours before pickup time for many schools. Chrystal Wilson, spokeswoman for Detroit Public Schools Community District, wrote in an email message that the state's largest district planned to maintain its current schedule, though district officials will continue to watch the weather. Trudging through inclement weather might present some challenges for students and families, particularly students who rely on public transportation or walk. Other parents may be hesitant to drive if heavy snow is falling. If attendance is low on count day, school districts could face financial consequences in the following school year. Students must attend school all day to count, or must have an excused absence. However, the count in February is less consequential than the count in October. The fall count determines 90% of state per-student funding for that school year, while the February count determines 10% of funding for the next school year, according to state law. 🔢 Countdown to Count Day! 🔢 When you show up, you're shaping the future! Count Day is Wednesday, February 12 —a chance... Posted by Detroit Public Schools Community District on Tuesday, February 11, 2025 If a school district cancels school due to conditions out of the school's control, count day is moved to the next school day, according to the Michigan Department of Education. But if schools don't call a snow day Wednesday, the count will go as planned, according to state law. Contact Lily Altavena: laltavena@ This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Michigan student count day at schools could be affected by storm
Yahoo
12-02-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
MI schools face challenges on winter Count Day
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%. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
