Imagine having a quiz first period and you’re running late. You rush to school, it’s inevitable that you won’t make it by the second bell. You still have time to take your quiz, right?
Wrong!
You’re not making it to first period nor are you taking your quiz. You might be wondering why. FHHS no longer allows students into the building 15 minutes after the ring of the late bell. This is a policy enforced a few weeks into the school year. Although it’s new for 2024, it has been enforced at FHHS in the past.
This strict policy raises the question: Is it fair to lock students out for being 15 minutes late, especially when something important is at risk?
Policy-makers stress that keeping students from coming in 15 minutes after the late bell helps provide stability and discipline. It should be an incentive for us to arrive on time. That’s the purpose.
However, from the perspective of a student, this seems to make things more difficult for some of us. Quizzes, tests, important projects… whatever it is can’t get done if you’re running 15 minutes late or even later. At times, students can’t help being late because of factors that a4re out of their control. From a student perspective, being punished for that just isn’t fair.
Why are Students Late?
The National Education for Statistics shows that the tardiness rate among students is around 3.3% to 9.5% each day in grades K-12. The reasons students may be late are sleep deprivation, sleeping disorders, and living far from school, to name a few. Many teens are sleep-deprived due to late sleeping times and early schedules. Students at FHHS each have different schedules, some make it home late which contributes to less sleep.
Students’ Wellbeing
This policy can affect overall well-being for some. Students may feel more anxious with the strict standard of making it on time, especially when struggling. Academic performances are greatly affected. Missing just one period can hold back a student by a lot. Falling behind on key lessons or assignments heavily impacts grades which can then lead to lower confidence and motivation in students. After a while those constantly locked out could lose the motivation of coming to school altogether which could lead to a negative school experience.
A Resolution
FHHS could take a different approach to tardiness. Instead of locking students out, the school could require students to get a late pass. With this, students can go to class and be accounted for their lateness. FHHS could get parents involved if lateness is a recurring thing. The school could work with parents to develop ways to prevent tardiness. By creating a relationship between school and home, students are provided with the support they need.
This story was first published on The Beacon on October 29, 2024.
