Attendance in school is important every day, but on the second Wednesday in February each year, it counts toward money for the districts.
Count Days are when all public schools in Michigan tally the number of students attending their schools. That information is critical to districts because each student gets a certain amount of state funding.
The calculation is based on a blend of spring and fall student counts. Spring count in February makes up 10% of funding, and fall count in October represents 90%.
Grand Rapids Public Schools sent an email, asking people to spread the word via social media, and urging all students to attend class on Wednesday.
Children who are sick or unable to attend need to notify their school offices for an excused absence to still be counted.
