Anonymous
04/12/2026 14:37
Subject: Increase Absenteeism in Midle/Upper SES students not due to illness?
It is a problem with complex causes. I think schools need to start asking for verification of doctors appointments. And enforcing an unexcused absence means you don’t get to make up the work. Parents caught lying? Enforce the rules.
My oldest doesn’t like to miss at all. Makes her too nervous she’s going to miss something. But my younger two are always happy to not be in school. We see a lot of parents checking kids out for a class to study for something else or miss a test they aren’t ready for. Also a ton of the pulling for vacations. All schools have to do is call those unexcused and give zeroes to fix the problem in high school.
My oldest doesn’t like to miss at all. Makes her too nervous she’s going to miss something. But my younger two are always happy to not be in school. We see a lot of parents checking kids out for a class to study for something else or miss a test they aren’t ready for. Also a ton of the pulling for vacations. All schools have to do is call those unexcused and give zeroes to fix the problem in high school.
Anonymous
04/12/2026 14:35
Subject: Increase Absenteeism in Midle/Upper SES students not due to illness?
Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:It's a combination of parents remembering how schools handled covid-it was hey kids teach yourself, you don't need to be in person, and the calendar. For years the schools have sent the message that regular attendance doesn't matter.
Omg covid was ONE year of school. One. Many of the kids in school now weren’t even in school when covid happened!
I think missing a few days is not the end of the world. But I would hardly say any chronic absences are going to good colleges. Guess it depends on what you think is good. Do you really think your kids are going to go to college classes now? Can’t wait to see that debt and no or worthless degree
It clearly sent a message that in person education was not a priority and parents and students remember that. Kids who were in kindergarten when it started as still in elementary school so most kids in the school system remember the experience of a short google meet and then "go ask your parents what to do now".
My youngest kid was was in K when it started. Did half of first grade online before hybrid began. Is now a 6th grader on the all A honor roll because she isn’t a moron who somehow thinks school will never matter in her life because she had to do Google meets for a total of 6 months ever. Get it together!
Why you are choosing to spend your Sunday morning name-calling on the Internet is an interesting question.
You missed the point. Kids are missing school and still doing fine. They get good grades, go to good colleges l, and get good jobs. They don't need too be in school because instruction is so dumbed down for the least capable.
Anonymous
04/12/2026 13:59
Subject: Increase Absenteeism in Midle/Upper SES students not due to illness?
Anonymous wrote:I can tell you that we take DS out of MS whenever it’s convenient for us considering the calendar is BS, ans the fact that there are SOOO many stupid days when he is in school and not teaching is happening.
I’m a DP with a slightly toned-down version of this. We don’t prioritize school attendance if it means waiting another month for a medical appointment, traveling at unpleasant times, etc. On the other hand, I do not allow my kid to dictate this, the parents make the decision based on the best interest of the child.
Anonymous
04/12/2026 13:24
Subject: Increase Absenteeism in Midle/Upper SES students not due to illness?
I can tell you that we take DS out of MS whenever it’s convenient for us considering the calendar is BS, ans the fact that there are SOOO many stupid days when he is in school and not teaching is happening.
Anonymous
04/12/2026 13:15
Subject: Increase Absenteeism in Midle/Upper SES students not due to illness?
Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:It's a combination of parents remembering how schools handled covid-it was hey kids teach yourself, you don't need to be in person, and the calendar. For years the schools have sent the message that regular attendance doesn't matter.
Omg covid was ONE year of school. One. Many of the kids in school now weren’t even in school when covid happened!
It clearly sent a message that in person education was not a priority and parents and students remember that. Kids who were in kindergarten when it started as still in elementary school so most kids in the school system remember the experience of a short google meet and then "go ask your parents what to do now".
My youngest kid was was in K when it started. Did half of first grade online before hybrid began. Is now a 6th grader on the all A honor roll because she isn’t a moron who somehow thinks school will never matter in her life because she had to do Google meets for a total of 6 months ever. Get it together!
Why you are choosing to spend your Sunday morning name-calling on the Internet is an interesting question.
You missed the point. Kids are missing school and still doing fine. They get good grades, go to good colleges l, and get good jobs. They don't need too be in school because instruction is so dumbed down for the least capable.
Name calling who? I said MY daughter isn’t a moron, I didn’t call you anything. And no? Kids are not missing school and doing fine. I have 10th graders who have failed 3 quarters of the year: that’s not “doing fine.” I have seniors in my 10th grade class taking it for the 3rd time and haven’t passed some of the tests for graduation- they’re not “doing fine.”
Touch grass and control your emotions.
I really hope you are a troll and not a teacher because if you are a teacher and bring this overreaction to your class, I'd let my kid skip any day to avoid your outburst.
A teacher caring about attendance = an “outburst” you’d let your kid skip class over. Today’s parenting in a nutshell 🙄
Anonymous
04/12/2026 12:19
Subject: Increase Absenteeism in Midle/Upper SES students not due to illness?
Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:This is not an FCPS calendar issue. It’s a problem all over. https://www.rand.org/pubs/research_reports/RRA956-34.html
+1. Anyone who thinks this is limited to FCPS or due to the calendar hasn't been paying attention to the news. It's happening everywhere. Part of the problem is that teachers are strongly discouraged from failing students or letting anyone drop out. 30 years ago, the kids who didn't go to school failed and had to repeat the grade if they wanted a diploma. Some got moved to alternative schools where they were coached through the curriculum separate from their peers. Not attending school wasn't an option if you wanted to graduate. Tying funding to graduation rates was a big mistake because it created a horrible system where teachers aren't allowed to give students grades that actually reflect their mastery of the content and everyone is going to pass no matter what.
I think more than one thing can be true at once. I think it is a nationwide problem, AND you will not be able to get parents in FCPS to focus on it until the calendar is rationalized.
Anonymous
04/12/2026 11:36
Subject: Increase Absenteeism in Midle/Upper SES students not due to illness?
Anonymous wrote:This is not an FCPS calendar issue. It’s a problem all over. https://www.rand.org/pubs/research_reports/RRA956-34.html
+1. Anyone who thinks this is limited to FCPS or due to the calendar hasn't been paying attention to the news. It's happening everywhere. Part of the problem is that teachers are strongly discouraged from failing students or letting anyone drop out. 30 years ago, the kids who didn't go to school failed and had to repeat the grade if they wanted a diploma. Some got moved to alternative schools where they were coached through the curriculum separate from their peers. Not attending school wasn't an option if you wanted to graduate. Tying funding to graduation rates was a big mistake because it created a horrible system where teachers aren't allowed to give students grades that actually reflect their mastery of the content and everyone is going to pass no matter what.
Anonymous
04/12/2026 11:21
Subject: Increase Absenteeism in Midle/Upper SES students not due to illness?
Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:It's a combination of parents remembering how schools handled covid-it was hey kids teach yourself, you don't need to be in person, and the calendar. For years the schools have sent the message that regular attendance doesn't matter.
Omg covid was ONE year of school. One. Many of the kids in school now weren’t even in school when covid happened!
It clearly sent a message that in person education was not a priority and parents and students remember that. Kids who were in kindergarten when it started as still in elementary school so most kids in the school system remember the experience of a short google meet and then "go ask your parents what to do now".
My youngest kid was was in K when it started. Did half of first grade online before hybrid began. Is now a 6th grader on the all A honor roll because she isn’t a moron who somehow thinks school will never matter in her life because she had to do Google meets for a total of 6 months ever. Get it together!
Why you are choosing to spend your Sunday morning name-calling on the Internet is an interesting question.
You missed the point. Kids are missing school and still doing fine. They get good grades, go to good colleges l, and get good jobs. They don't need too be in school because instruction is so dumbed down for the least capable.
Name calling who? I said MY daughter isn’t a moron, I didn’t call you anything. And no? Kids are not missing school and doing fine. I have 10th graders who have failed 3 quarters of the year: that’s not “doing fine.” I have seniors in my 10th grade class taking it for the 3rd time and haven’t passed some of the tests for graduation- they’re not “doing fine.”
Touch grass and control your emotions.
I really hope you are a troll and not a teacher because if you are a teacher and bring this overreaction to your class, I'd let my kid skip any day to avoid your outburst.
Anonymous
04/12/2026 11:19
Subject: Increase Absenteeism in Midle/Upper SES students not due to illness?
Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:It's a combination of parents remembering how schools handled covid-it was hey kids teach yourself, you don't need to be in person, and the calendar. For years the schools have sent the message that regular attendance doesn't matter.
Omg covid was ONE year of school. One. Many of the kids in school now weren’t even in school when covid happened!
It clearly sent a message that in person education was not a priority and parents and students remember that. Kids who were in kindergarten when it started as still in elementary school so most kids in the school system remember the experience of a short google meet and then "go ask your parents what to do now".
My youngest kid was was in K when it started. Did half of first grade online before hybrid began. Is now a 6th grader on the all A honor roll because she isn’t a moron who somehow thinks school will never matter in her life because she had to do Google meets for a total of 6 months ever. Get it together!
Why you are choosing to spend your Sunday morning name-calling on the Internet is an interesting question.
You missed the point. Kids are missing school and still doing fine. They get good grades, go to good colleges l, and get good jobs. They don't need too be in school because instruction is so dumbed down for the least capable.
Name calling who? I said MY daughter isn’t a moron, I didn’t call you anything. And no? Kids are not missing school and doing fine. I have 10th graders who have failed 3 quarters of the year: that’s not “doing fine.” I have seniors in my 10th grade class taking it for the 3rd time and haven’t passed some of the tests for graduation- they’re not “doing fine.”
This post title refers to middle and upper SES kids. They are not the "seniors taking your 10th grade class for the 3rd time."
Anonymous
04/12/2026 11:18
Subject: Increase Absenteeism in Midle/Upper SES students not due to illness?
Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:It's a combination of parents remembering how schools handled covid-it was hey kids teach yourself, you don't need to be in person, and the calendar. For years the schools have sent the message that regular attendance doesn't matter.
Omg covid was ONE year of school. One. Many of the kids in school now weren’t even in school when covid happened!
It clearly sent a message that in person education was not a priority and parents and students remember that. Kids who were in kindergarten when it started as still in elementary school so most kids in the school system remember the experience of a short google meet and then "go ask your parents what to do now".
My youngest kid was was in K when it started. Did half of first grade online before hybrid began. Is now a 6th grader on the all A honor roll because she isn’t a moron who somehow thinks school will never matter in her life because she had to do Google meets for a total of 6 months ever. Get it together!
Why you are choosing to spend your Sunday morning name-calling on the Internet is an interesting question.
You missed the point. Kids are missing school and still doing fine. They get good grades, go to good colleges l, and get good jobs. They don't need too be in school because instruction is so dumbed down for the least capable.
Name calling who? I said MY daughter isn’t a moron, I didn’t call you anything. And no? Kids are not missing school and doing fine. I have 10th graders who have failed 3 quarters of the year: that’s not “doing fine.” I have seniors in my 10th grade class taking it for the 3rd time and haven’t passed some of the tests for graduation- they’re not “doing fine.”
By saying your precious daughter isn't a moron, you are calling others a moron.
Anonymous
04/12/2026 10:53
Subject: Increase Absenteeism in Midle/Upper SES students not due to illness?
Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:It's a combination of parents remembering how schools handled covid-it was hey kids teach yourself, you don't need to be in person, and the calendar. For years the schools have sent the message that regular attendance doesn't matter.
Omg covid was ONE year of school. One. Many of the kids in school now weren’t even in school when covid happened!
It clearly sent a message that in person education was not a priority and parents and students remember that. Kids who were in kindergarten when it started as still in elementary school so most kids in the school system remember the experience of a short google meet and then "go ask your parents what to do now".
My youngest kid was was in K when it started. Did half of first grade online before hybrid began. Is now a 6th grader on the all A honor roll because she isn’t a moron who somehow thinks school will never matter in her life because she had to do Google meets for a total of 6 months ever. Get it together!
Why you are choosing to spend your Sunday morning name-calling on the Internet is an interesting question.
You missed the point. Kids are missing school and still doing fine. They get good grades, go to good colleges l, and get good jobs. They don't need too be in school because instruction is so dumbed down for the least capable.
Name calling who? I said MY daughter isn’t a moron, I didn’t call you anything. And no? Kids are not missing school and doing fine. I have 10th graders who have failed 3 quarters of the year: that’s not “doing fine.” I have seniors in my 10th grade class taking it for the 3rd time and haven’t passed some of the tests for graduation- they’re not “doing fine.”
Anonymous
04/12/2026 10:40
Subject: Increase Absenteeism in Midle/Upper SES students not due to illness?
Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:It's a combination of parents remembering how schools handled covid-it was hey kids teach yourself, you don't need to be in person, and the calendar. For years the schools have sent the message that regular attendance doesn't matter.
Omg covid was ONE year of school. One. Many of the kids in school now weren’t even in school when covid happened!
It clearly sent a message that in person education was not a priority and parents and students remember that. Kids who were in kindergarten when it started as still in elementary school so most kids in the school system remember the experience of a short google meet and then "go ask your parents what to do now".
My youngest kid was was in K when it started. Did half of first grade online before hybrid began. Is now a 6th grader on the all A honor roll because she isn’t a moron who somehow thinks school will never matter in her life because she had to do Google meets for a total of 6 months ever. Get it together!
Why you are choosing to spend your Sunday morning name-calling on the Internet is an interesting question.
You missed the point. Kids are missing school and still doing fine. They get good grades, go to good colleges l, and get good jobs. They don't need too be in school because instruction is so dumbed down for the least capable.
Anonymous
04/12/2026 09:02
Subject: Increase Absenteeism in Midle/Upper SES students not due to illness?
The school year is too long. One of my kids is in private and graduating. I teach in a private HS and am out well before FCPS. Our youngest wanted to attend her local HS and has this late schedule, so we just planned a small trip for early June. She said it’s a great time since AP tests will be done and we will be back before any possible finals. No, we won’t be concerned with missing school at that point.
Anonymous
04/12/2026 08:32
Subject: Increase Absenteeism in Midle/Upper SES students not due to illness?
Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:It's a combination of parents remembering how schools handled covid-it was hey kids teach yourself, you don't need to be in person, and the calendar. For years the schools have sent the message that regular attendance doesn't matter.
Omg covid was ONE year of school. One. Many of the kids in school now weren’t even in school when covid happened!
It clearly sent a message that in person education was not a priority and parents and students remember that. Kids who were in kindergarten when it started as still in elementary school so most kids in the school system remember the experience of a short google meet and then "go ask your parents what to do now".
My youngest kid was was in K when it started. Did half of first grade online before hybrid began. Is now a 6th grader on the all A honor roll because she isn’t a moron who somehow thinks school will never matter in her life because she had to do Google meets for a total of 6 months ever. Get it together!
Anonymous
04/12/2026 08:31
Subject: Increase Absenteeism in Midle/Upper SES students not due to illness?
Anonymous wrote:As a parent, yes, it's COVID examples and the calendar. That's why I don't feel any guilt having my kids add a day or two off to a random midweek no school day. And the reason is
You are a great example of why it’s happening. It’s poor lazy parenting that parents justify with endless excuses. You simply don’t care about school, don’t teach your kids to care, and want to blame all kinds of things on that reality. I’m a Millennial parent and teacher and now that most of my students’ parents are Millennials I can say they are the most difficult generation of parents I’ve had to work with as a professional. Endless excuses for their kids. Minimal active parenting. They want no accountability for their kids. They exert zero authority and let their kids run roughshod. The kids are the ones running the homes usually.
They will always claim “they’re just bored / it’s covid / the calendar” blah blah but it comes down to lazy uninvolved parenting that results in kids who can barely attend school or pass classes and then the parents blame the school for that.