MIDDLETOWN, Conn. — Middletown Public Schools are hoping a new $10,000 grant can help answer the question of why some students aren't coming to school.

The district said they have seen an increase in absenteeism among students.

“Getting to the root of why that child doesn’t want to come to school, I think that’s important. A lot of times we lose sight of that. A lot of people think just the adult can solve it. A lot of times the parent doesn’t know either,” said Briz Garcia, a family engagement liaison with the district.

Garcia said students may not want to come to school for reasons like financial issues. Over 7.5% of people who live in Middletown and 4.4% of families are below the poverty line.

Over 50% of students are eligible for free or reduced-price lunch, compared to less than

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