One-Third of Ypsilanti Students Miss the First Day of School

So, that's kind of awkward.

Michigan law requires schools to start after Labor Day, but two schools in the Ypsilanti area have special waivers that allow them to have a balanced calendar - they have the same number of instructional days, but a shorter summer break and longer breaks throughout the year.

Random thought: why have a law, then?

Anyways, school started at Holmes Elementary and Ford Early Learning Center on Monday...with about 168 students missing. "We're in the process of contacting families and letting them know that school did start," said Ford principal Mickey Berg. "It's the balanced calendar. Typically parents have that mindset that school starts after Labor Day."

School staff made phone calls to families, sent three messages through the school's communications system, and also posted it on the sign outside the school. Administrators aren't sure if parents just forgot about it...or if they're on vacation.

Not gonna lie, our son's school sends texts, emails and voicemails on a regular basis. How could you miss that?? I'm a huge fan of the year-round school idea, but I'm not totally sure that this was accidental.