TRAVERSE CITY — Traverse City Area Public Schools (TCAPS) has adopted a new attendance policy that treats excused and unexcused absences the same in an effort to improve student success and reduce chronic absenteeism—both key priorities in the district’s strategic plan.
Previously, TCAPS notified parents only after a student accumulated 10 unexcused absences. According to the updated policy, parents will now receive a notification letter after 10 absences, regardless of whether they are excused or unexcused.
Additionally, if a student accumulates 20 absences within a single semester, an attendance officer will be assigned to investigate the situation and determine if it qualifies as truancy under state law.
TCAPS currently ranks in the 90th percentile for attendance across district schools. The updated policies aim to further improve those numbers and ensure that students are maximizing their learning opportunities.
