Across the nation, students are being marked absent at a higher rate than ever before.

The Los Angeles Times reports that 46 percent of students have missed at least 9 percent of the school year. The New York Post reports that the rate of chronic absenteeism went from 26 percent in the 2018-2019 school year to 40 percent this school year. A Brookings study states that more than half of all students have missed more than 18 days or more in Michigan. 

At MHS, attendance has dropped from  94.38 percent in March 2019 to 92.22 percent in March 2022. When applied to the 2,251 student population, that adds up to approximately 175 students absent within the past month, when it used to be 125 students absent.

Rob Durham, language arts teacher, said he sees absenteeism in his classroom daily. Durham teaches two freshman classes, two sophomore classes and a creative writing class.

“All five, across the board, have been the lowest attendance in my 10 years here,” Durham said. “There’s still a student I haven’t even met yet from the second semester.” 

Durham said he accounts this issue as a secondary effect of COVID-19, as the pandemic resulted in a shift in attitude toward school for students and parents alike. 

“We’ve gotten used to making school a part-time thing, and missing days has become a habit. And when students have that mindset and the parents have that mindset, then it doesn’t seem like a big deal to miss that many days,” Durham said. “I think parents in some cases are enabling it.” 

Durham said there should be some sort of “wake-up call” in regards to attendance; however, increased leniency due to the pandemic has made that difficult. 

“I spend more time with the kids who aren’t here, making assignments and tests up, than I do with the ones that are, so we’ve also enabled it,” Durham said 

Durham said a policy change that puts attendance rates on transcripts, along with an overall attitude change toward school, needs to start happening. He said students who are absent often due to mental health, physical health or other issues should enroll in online courses provided by RSD rather than simply not attend school altogether. 

“As kids build the habit of missing high school, they can’t just flip a switch for college,” Durham said. “When you’re on your own, it’s even harder to show up.” 

Associate Principal Dr. Tracey Waeckerle, said that attendance will gradually return to normal as the years go on. 

“It’s an adjustment,” Dr. Waeckerle said. “That two year time frame was hard on people, so it’s going to take time to get back from that.” 

Dr. Waeckerle said she hopes that students who are struggling with their attendance can re-learn the importance of school. 

“Bottom line is, it’s important to be in school. It’s hard to do well when you’re not here,” Dr. Waeckerle said. “So, there’s a direct link between people’s attendance and their success.” 

Jenny Yang, senior, has not missed a day of this school year, and says she wishes to see attendance prioritized at MHS.

“I’ve only ever missed 30 minutes of school before for a dance performance, so I have a habit of always coming to school,” Yang said. “There have been days this year that I have wanted to skip due to senioritis, but I only have about two more months of school, so I’m just trying to push through at this point.” 

Yang said the problem lies in the transition from online school to in-person school, as it has been difficult for many students. 

“I don’t know if it’s my fear of missing out, but I would hate to miss out on something at school, whether that be in class or with my friends,” Yang said. “More students need to have that attitude.”

Yang said she suggests more “fun” incorporated into school such as with spirit days to get students excited about school again. 

Jane Doe, senior who prefers not to be named, has had 121 absences thus far this year. 

“I had health issues over quarantine, and now I have doctor appointments every week,” Doe said. “Since I took easier classes this year, it’s easier for me to not go to school and not miss anything.” 

Doe said school is a priority; however, health and wellness takes first priority. 

“As long as I have all As then I’m okay with not going to school,” Doe said. “It doesn’t feel like I’m missing anything.”