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Writer's pictureFrehiwot Gebreyesus

Tardiness crackdown: Updated policy brings consequences for late arrivals

Updated: Oct 17

By Frehiwot Gebreyesus, Clarion Staff reporter


Kennedy High School administration instituted a new tardy policy at the start of the 2024-2025 school year to promote a more punctual and prepared student body by setting clear expectations and consequences for repeated lateness.


Students are expected to be in their seats when the bell rings.


Students are not allowed to stay away outside of the classroom.


When attendance is being taken by the teachers, students are expected to be in their assigned seats.


Tardy policy is enforced to make Kennedy students successful. Students might miss early instructions and might be disruptive to other students as well as teachers. The new tardy policy aimed at improving attendance and reducing classroom disruptions.


Tardiness can be excused if students provide proof showing why they were late. 

According to school administration, they developed the policy in response to an increase in students arriving late to class, which has negatively impacted instructional time and the overall learning environment. The first tardy will result in a verbal warning. On the second and third instances, students will receive written warnings and a parent/guardian notification. Further tardies may lead to detentions or Wednesday Night School (formerly Saturday School).


The policy includes measures to ensure parents and guardians are kept informed. Families will receive automated notifications when a student is tardy more than three times, and admin will schedule follow-up meetings to discuss potential solutions.


Kennedy administrators emphasized that the policy is intended to be fair and reasonable, taking into account students’ various circumstances. They encourage students and families to communicate openly with the front office if there are legitimate reasons that cause a student to be consistently late.


However, students' reactions to the new policy have been varied. While some appreciate the clarity and fairness of the rules, others worry the policy may not consider individual challenges, such as transportation issues or family responsibilities.


For more information, the school encourages any questions or concerns to be directed to the school office.

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