Everyone knows about the new attendence, and most students were angry at first, especially those who DCA’d within the first few months of school.
Yes, it’s not so pleasant having to wake up early to get ready, take a few bites of cereal to hop on the bus and be in school by 7:30, but it’s life as we know it.
But not waking up or being too lazy or whatever excuse you may have isn’t the reason why people always DCA. Many pull the “I don’t want to get out of the bed today” or “mom I’m sick (cough, cough)” excuses.
Skipping class is a big reason some kids DCA. Now, the school doesn’t tolerate students leaving school grounds whenever they feel like it. Not because they are “so mean” or “unfair,” but simply because, if anything happens to you, it’s the school’s responsibility to keep you safe for the full seven hours you’re there. Therefore, unless you are signed out of school early, don’t even try skipping out.
A lot of teens give into the peer pressure to skip class. What you have to do is be independent, and even though you might drool in your next class and almost drowned in boredom, go to it…and when your “friends” get caught by the assistant principal, they’re going to be in the office with multiple detentions reeking of smoke and shame.
Problems students have with themselves, their peers, or at their own home could result in a DCA as well. Some might be devastated about a loved one dying or overwhelmed with family issues. Some might have issues with another person in the class and might not want to go because they’re scared or just don’t want trouble. Other students might be frustrated at themselves for not understanding the subject or not getting along with the teacher.
There are always going to be problems, but along with these unbearable problems are solutions. Go to guidance; talk it out. You could possibly switch classes, resolve your problems with other people, or simply learn to stand tall and ignore the negativity. Talk to your guidance counselor about family issues and take steps to help yourself, and the ones your care for. Don’t just wander around the halls or hide in the bathroom for the period. The more you hide, the harder it is to be found. The more you walk away, the harder it is to be helped.
“If you want to go somewhere, and if you want to be somebody, you better wake up, and pay attention!” Even if you made a mistake, there’s always ways to redeem yourself! You can go to the office, set up a meeting, and try to get your DCA appealed. But don’t just do it if you are going to slack off, not do work, and be absent like last time. Do it for yourself, because at the end of the day, you’ll feel better about who you are and more excited to see who you’ll soon become!
School is the key to a happy and functional life. Plus, if you DCA, you still have to go to the class, do all the work, and participate in all activities even if you don’t get the credit. Who wants that?!