Students, it’s your choice: skip classes now and be denied credit later or show up and get your education. The attendance policy was put into place over the 2011-2012 school year to keep students in class. A year later, has the attendance improved? Does the threat of being able to DCA keep students in the classroom?
According to Ms. Hoefer, the secretary of the attendance office, “The attendance has definitely improved since the new policy.” She continues, “People are striving to make it to school and keep their absences under the 18 days.”
She says that the attendance policy has made a lot of things easier when it comes to attendance. “It was hard at first (adjusting to the attendance policy) but now that everyone is used to the system it is easy.“
Students have certainly become more aware and mindful of their absences because of the possibility of DCA. Sophomore Jessica McDaniel says, “The attendance policy has kept me in class. Every time I am late or absent I think about how many absences left until I DCA. Now that I am more aware of how much time I spend in class or the time not in class my grades have definitely improved.”
Sophomore Shannon Hummel says, “ The policy is annoying but helpful. It helps me to realize how much school I actually miss.”
A common class that is skipped is Phys Ed. Don’t forget gym is necessary to graduate, and you only get 6 absences a semester. It doesn’t matter what class it is – if you skip class you will get caught, get in trouble, and eventually DCA.
The attendance policy has not only kept students in school but has helped better their education as well. Students are becoming more aware of how much time is spent in school or out. The policy has worked out for the best and continues to do so.