A new year means new rules, at least it does for North Atlanta High School. North Atlanta is known for its rigorous courses that students conquer with ease, however, the school attendance record has always been on the shaky side. This year administrators have certainly “upped the ante” on school attendance policies that have stirred up quiet complaints and grumbles throughout the eleven stories.
Despite the fact that most students know and respect the importance of attendance, the topic has always been a back-and-forth battle between students and administrators. Although there have been consequences in the past including detention and suspension, the stakes have been raised much higher this year for all students. A collection of tardies and absences can result in the loss of prom, parking privileges, and more. As for upperclassmen in IB, it can even result in removal from the program. “I enjoy getting my coffee in the morning,” said senior Kate Warren. “But now I can’t afford to get it and risk being late and then possibly being taken out of IB.”
Many students agree that this measure for increasing attendance is a bit extreme and hope there is a chance that these policies will be changed to a more lenient limit of what is acceptable for tardies and absences. Another issue addressed by administration this year has been how exactly these absences or tardies can be excused. It is now required that verified documents like official doctor’s notes be provided as an excuse. Many people consider this requirement to be unnecessary, and important questions like “Why isn’t a parent note enough?” begin to arise. Senior Victoria Rivera has raised questions and opposition to these new policies. “I understand that attendance needs to be better, but there should be a different limit for absences and tardies because 5 is really hard to maintain,” she said. “Plus a parent verifying an absence or tardy should be enough to be excused”
Being present in school is an obvious key to succeeding in classes, but many feel that the measures being taken to ensure this are a bit uncalled for. Stressing over school work and good grades is one battle on its own, but the added pressure of required near-perfect attendance adds the feeling of a 50 pound weight to students’ shoulders. In the near or far future, students hope for a drastic change that helps NAHS students combat the new atrocities in these school policies.
