Imagine having a quiz first period and you’re running late. You rush to school. Thank goodness, you’re only 5 minutes late. 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 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 a few minutes late, especially when something important is at risk?
Policy-makers may argue that keeping students from coming in after the late bell helps provide stability and discipline. However, from the perspective of a student, this only makes things more difficult for us. Quizzes, tests, important projects… whatever it is can’t get done. Many students can’t help being late at times because there are things that happen that are out of their control. 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 students’ well-being in many ways. Students may feel more anxious with the strict standard of making it on time, especially when they struggle with it. 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.
Katrina • Oct 29, 2024 at 3:48 pm
Amirah has made a great point. I understand the schools approach to try and get the students to school in time but life happens. Students nowadays are under so much pressure academically already to keep up with all the tasks at hand. They are trying their best. As Amirah stated Instead of locking the students out its preferable to provide a late pass. I believe that will send a message of understanding to the students on behalf of the school.