Comprehensive Middle Schools & High Schools Attendance

Grand Rapids Public Schools welcomes all scholars to be at school every day on time! Attending school on-time, every day will give your scholar the best chance of graduating from high school.

Michigan law requires parents to send their children aged six (6) to sixteen (16) to school during the entire school year, except under limited circumstances.

All scholars who are unable to attend school or a class should arrange with their teachers to make up any missed work. All missing work must be made up within the marking period in which the absence occurred. If there are extenuating circumstances, a scholar may be given additional time to complete the work at the Principal’s discretion.

What are excused absences? 

There are a number of reasons why scholars miss school. You can contact the school office regarding the reason for the absence. Absences shall be excused by the Principal (or designee) for the reasons indicated below (absences for any other reason shall be considered unexcused):

1. Illness, injury, or quarantine of the scholar
2. Serious illness of a family member
3. Death in the scholar’s immediate family (close friend or relative)
4. Dental or medical services
5. Appearance in Juvenile Court or Court-ordered appearances
6. Observance of a holiday or ceremony for scholar’s religion
7. Family emergencies
8. Weather related absences “snow days” excused at district level
9. Pre-arranged excused absences for scholar participation in approved non-school competitions and performance activities
10. College visits 
11. Reasons authorized by the principal or designee

Absences due to school-related activities, homebound/hospitalization, or district authorized closures will not be counted towards the scholar’s total absences.

Supporting Scholars

A conference with the parent/caregiver, scholar and school staff may be needed to create a plan, so your scholar does not fall behind academically. 

What is Truancy?

Truancy refers to unexcused absences. If a scholar becomes truant (unexcused), the school district will partner with parents/caregivers to promote school attendance so all scholars can achieve their fullest potential. Examples of unexcused absences are listed below.

Examples of Unexcused Absences

• Arriving 26 minutes or later to a class, or more than 60 minutes for block schedule classes, unless there is a verifiable and unavoidable personal emergency
• Leaving school without advance written permission
• Skipping class
• Parent/Caregiver has not called to excuse an absence within twenty-four (24) hours of the scholar’s return to school
• Absences for reasons that are not accepted by the Principal (or designee) 

Department of Human Services (DHS Policy) effective October 1, 2012, requires Michigan parents whose children don’t attend school will lose welfare cash benefits under this state policy. Michigan Department of Human Services will require children ages 6-15 to attend school full time to keep family eligible for cash benefits. If a child doesn’t the entire family becomes ineligible. The DHS policy requires school attendance for children ages 16- 17 and will not cut cash aid for the family if a scholar is truant. 

Building Strong Attendance Together

Grand Rapids Public Schools encourages staff, parent(s)/caregivers(s), and community partners to work collaboratively to promote scholar attendance and engagement.

• After six (6) or more unexcused absences in a school year: the school district may contact you to discuss absences so we can work together to address barriers and develop an attendance plan.
• Ten (10) days of unexcused absences in a school year: a conference may be scheduled with the school, scholar, and family/caregiver to create a plan together, so your scholar does not fall behind academically. The parent/caregiver will receive a letter with additional resources.
• Twelve (12) unexcused absences or more in a semester: this may result in a failing grade. The parent/guardian or caregiver will be contacted to schedule a meeting to review the attendance plan and determine how best to support the scholar.
• If a scholar passes the class AND earns a 70% or higher on the final exam the scholar receives the grade and credit earned in the class
• However, if a scholar passes a class and earns less than 70% on the final exam, the scholar will not earn credit
• The Principal or designee reserves the right, under extenuating circumstances, to modify this guideline
• Fifteen (15) or more unexcused absences: a conference may be scheduled to review the current attendance/academic plan and discuss additional resources that may be needed to support your scholar’s school experience.
• After twenty (20) absences: the school district may have to resort to legal action and file truancy petitions with the court. 

Scholar support services/personnel within the District, as well as collaboration/referral to community support services and agencies, can be avenues to support all scholars. 

Tardiness & Early Dismissals

Grand Rapids Public Schools welcomes all scholars to be at school every day on time! Attending school on-time, every day will give your scholar the best chance of graduating from high school.

• If a scholar arrives late by 25 minutes or less to class, then the scholar is considered tardy
• If a scholar arrives late by 26 minutes or more to a traditional class, the scholar is considered absent
• If a scholar arrives late by 26 to 60 minutes to a block schedule class, then the scholar is considered late arrival
• If a scholar arrives late by 61 minutes or more to a block schedule class, then the scholar is considered absent
• If a scholar is tardy/late 1-4 times per class, the District will contact the parent(s)/guardian(s) to discuss how to support the scholar attending school on time

Making Up Missed Work

• If a scholar is tardy 5-8 times per class, the scholar will receive a detention starting with the 6th tardy to work on academics missed. The scholar will continue to attend after each subsequent tardy. The District will notify the parent(s)/guardian(s) of the subsequent tardiness/lateness and discuss plans to support the scholar’s attendance and academics.
• If a scholar is tardy/late 9-12 times per class, the scholar may be required to attend the following programs to support their academic program:
  • Intervention Room (when available)
  • After School Detention
  • Friday School/Saturday School