Mat Hayward/Getty Images for Knowledge UniverseToday, Wednesday, October 7 is one of two designated "count days" as required by the State School Aid Act to determine state funding for Michigan’s K-12 public school districts. Funding is based on the total student count/attendance on those two days. Obviously, it is vitally important that our schools have all of their students in attendance since their vital state funding counts the heads!

Grand Rapids Public Schools annual “Campaign to Count Day” is in full effect. The goal is to raise awareness about the importance of daily school attendance and how public schools are funded based on the student count on October 7, 2015.

GRPS had the best Count Day in two decades last year! Thanks to the success of our Transformation Plan, we are poised to be one of the first urban districts in the state and nation to stabilize and grow,” said Superintendent Teresa Weatherall Neal in a message to students and parents. “Please make sure your child is in school, on time, every single day.

Count Day celebration activities include:
• Districtwide “no school uniform” day
• Special school-based activities and events
• Plus, the school with the best attendance on Count Day wins a special visit from the Harlem Globetrotters

GRPS is asking parents, students, and concerned citizens to spread the word about the importance of count day via email, Facebook, Twitter, and word of mouth. Individuals may call the Action Line at 819-2500, if they have questions or see students out of school today.

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