My child may never earn a perfect attendance award. I'm fine with that.

What happened: A mother in rural North Carolina wrote that her child likely will never earn a perfect attendance award, and she argues schools should not give them. Why it matters: She says perfect attendance reflects family circumstance such as health, access to care, and a parent's ability to leave work, and she would rather schools recognize students who return after hard times. Key numbers: The article cites a 10:30 a.m. Tuesday appointment and a doctor's office 45 minutes from home.

A mother in rural North Carolina wrote that her child likely will never earn a perfect attendance award, and she argues schools should not give them.

She says perfect attendance reflects family circumstance such as health, access to care, and a parent's ability to leave work, and she would rather schools recognize students who return after hard times. Key numbers: The article cites a 10:30 a.m. Tuesday appointment and a doctor's office 45 minutes from home.