Administration hopes new tardy policy encourages students’ attendance

Maddie Johnson, Features Editor
August 19, 2010
Filed under News, Top Stories

Students who have a tendency to rack up multiple tardies within a the first weeks of the school year might have to start paying more attention to the minute warning bell as the policy has changed so that the tardy count no longer re-starts at the end of the quarter.

In past school years, Lafayette has counted tardies per class on a quarterly basis allowing students three tardies per class, before a detention was assigned for the fourth tardy.  Each tardy after that resulted in additional punishment.  Then,  at the start of a new quarter, the count of tardies starts over.

Now, the tardy count runs throughout the entire semester instead of ending and r with each new quarter.

“Every year, tardies are the number one disciplinary infraction at Lafayette,” Associate Principal Renee Trotier said.

She continued, “Tardies are a big deal and disrupt the learning environment.”

And, Assistant Principal Matt Dieckhaus said  the other Rockwood high schools have always had semester-based tardy policies.

“We have always been more laid back. The other [high school] buildings in the district are much more strict when it comes to tardies,” Dieckhaus said.

Dieckhaus supports the change, explaining that “Students need to be in class to enhance their learning. After all, future employers won’t appreciate tardiness.”

However, some students think the change is unfair.

“I think [the new policy] is a bit harsh. Being able to start fresh after a quarter is more reasonable,” junior Stevie Tiemann said.

Administrators hope that the new policy will increase attendance levels and  reduce the number of disciplinary actions throughout the school year.

“It is a motivation for kids to be on time,” Trotier said.

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