A new school year brings a lot of changes with it such as new faces, new classes, and new teachers. All teachers have their own unique style in their classroom, but this year they all share one thing in common: a “new” attendance policy.

This policy isn’t necessarily new, however. “The policy never went away,” said Principal Kevin McKenna. “It just may not have been enforced as much.”

Under this policy, students can miss nine days of a class per semester without consequence. On the 10th absence, a number of consequences may take place – including loss of credit in that class.

It is possible to appeal and regain that credit, but it is a long process and the credit could still be denied.

In order to recover credit, the student has three options:
1) enroll in that course again at the start of a new semester, 2) test out of that course, or 3) enroll in summer school or approved credit recovery programs, like E2020.

Although loss of credit is the most common ramification on the 10th absence, it is not necessarily always the consequence. Other consequences include detentions and loss of parking pass.

“There are a lot of factors to look at,” explained McKenna. These factors include family issues along with medical issues.

As the new principal of Milford High School, McKenna would like to focus on being “proactive.” He believes it is more beneficial to handle situations early, before they turn into problems.

On the fifth, sixth, seventh, and eighth absences, letters will be sent home and calls will be made to parents.

Attendance has become a major focus at Milford this year. “The number one thing is it’s directly related to success,” said McKenna. “There is no stronger correlation than the one between attendance to school and grades.”

Research, including looking at other districts’ policies (such as Rochester and Port Huron), was conducted while re-emphasizing the policy for Milford, McKenna said.

Another factor going into the enforcement of this attendance policy is an increased amount of support for the teachers. The goal of school is to challenge students and prepare them for their futures. This can’t happen if the students don’t show up to class.

“I can’t recreate the classroom,” English teacher Shawn Durso said. “I can give homework or worksheets, but I cannot recreate the atmosphere of the room or the interactions between the student and teacher or even student to student – and that’s the heart of the class.”

Milford students have mixed feelings about the attendance policy.
“I have had nearly perfect attendance since third grade, so I don’t feel like the policy will affect me much,” said sophomore Kalee Rittenger.
However, others are not so sure. While McKenna said medical reasons will be considered, some students are still concerned.

“For the past two years I’ve missed three weeks of school for medical reasons. So, I am kind of worried about this policy,” freshman Karson Lychuk said.

McKenna however, provides a positive way to look at the situation.
“A student’s job is to learn, to come to school on a regular basis and do their very best each and every day,” said McKenna. “At this job, each student gets 18 total vacation days. How many jobs out there give you 18 annual vacation days? Not many.”