In line with House Bill 410, Ohio school districts are legally required to monitor student attendance closely and partner with families to address the underlying causes of missed school.
At Midview, we view this not only as a requirement but as a commitment. We want every student to feel supported, encouraged, and motivated to be in school each day. Consistent attendance is the foundation of learning and plays a vital role in helping students succeed both in the classroom and beyond.
According to the Ohio Department of Education (ODE), 25.1% of Ohio students were chronically absent in the 2024–25 school year. Missing just 10% of the year (about two days each month) can have lasting effects, including:
difficulty learning to read by the third grade
decreased achievement in middle school
lower graduation rates in high school
How Midview Supports Attendance:
To help students stay on track, Midview hired Mike Young as our Truancy Officer in the 2023–24 school year. He works closely with Jennifer Gates, Coordinator of Student Supports, as well as building administration, to review weekly attendance data across all five district buildings. Together, they:
Monitor absences and connect with families
Call parents/guardians or make home visits
Develop individualized attendance intervention plans
When necessary, file truancy complaints through the Lorain County Juvenile Court
When Do Attendance Concerns Begin?
One of the most important parts of raising awareness about attendance is helping families understand how quickly absences can add up. Even a few missed days each month can trigger interventions and put a student at risk of falling behind. Here’s what we look for:
Our attendance team will reach out to create an attendance support plan if a student misses 5 or more days of school. This plan will identify the supports needed to help your student attend school regularly. Once the plan is in place, we will monitor progress closely. If improvement is made, the plan will remain active to support continued success.
The Ohio Department of Education flags students missing 7 or more days in a school year as “at risk” for being chronically absent.
Missing 9 or more days in a school year escalates the issue to involve both our Truancy Officer and the Lorain County Courts.
While we understand some absences are unavoidable due to illness or emergencies, it’s important to remember that attendance is both an academic and a life skill. Being present builds good habits and sets students up for future success.
As a reminder, families should call the school whenever their child is absent and provide a doctor’s note when applicable to ensure the absence is recorded correctly. We also encourage you to review the list of excused absences in the student handbook.
New Attendance Initiative
In addition to the ongoing efforts of our attendance team and each building’s PBIS incentives, Midview is launching a new district-wide attendance initiative to celebrate and reward students who prioritize being in school.
Monthly: The grade level with the highest attendance will enjoy a special treat sponsored by a local business partner.
Quarterly: Students with two or fewer absences will receive a coupon to a local restaurant, and those with perfect attendance will be entered into a building-wide raffle.
Yearly: The school with the best overall attendance will earn the title of All-Star Attendance Champion and proudly display a traveling trophy.
Together, we can ensure that every student is present, learning, and on track for success. Thank you for partnering with us in making attendance a top priority!