The 2012-2013 school year has officially begun, and a few new rules have been put into play by the Upper School Administration. Are they beneficial? Are they favorable to the student body? Well, before we answer those important questions, we must first find out what the new policies entail. After reading the four pages of the 2012-2013 Pine Crest Handbook dedicated to the attendance rules, a few main points regarding the rules have been deduced:

1. Students may not skip class or leave school early without prior authorization from the school.

This makes sense. Although sometimes students might not want to listen to a lecture or take notes, they are obliged to go to class. This is school, folks- kind of a cardinal rule.

2. Students who arrive after 8:10 am must get a late pass from the Upper School Office. 

At first glance, this does seem pretty early, but it’s all about time management and awareness. Now that school has been in session for a few weeks, everyone should be accustomed to getting up at a certain time,  getting in the car or bus at a certain time, and arriving at school at a certain time.

3. For every three tardies given to one student, the student must attend one detention. 

Although it is our responsibility to get to school on time, everyone has “those mornings.” Due to certain circumstances and mishaps, sometimes we may not able to get to school on time on a certain day.  It is definitely possible for factors beyond our control to cause us to be late more than three times a semester.  After three tardies, we should release a notification that we have to do a better job at getting to class on time, and after five tardies in a semester, we should receive a detention.  This change would allow for one tardy per month. What do you think?

4. Students who have received 10 absences will receive a one point deduction in that course. 

Considering severe illnesses, family emergencies, and other events which require an extended period of time away from school, ten absences is another harsh limit.  Although the office will probably try to cut some slack to students who have no control on their attendance record.  For minor illnesses, students would feel obligated to come to school sick because of this policy.  Hence, this student then has the chance of infecting other students with their contagious illness, such as a cough or sore throat.  An excused absence shouldn’t be judged on how high a fever is.

5. Students cannot leave campus without permission. Students who leave are subject to drug testing.

This is pretty much common sense. If the school doesn’t know where the students are, it could create a crisis.  If a student needs to leave for any reason, the office needs to know.

After reviewing the rules, which might be considered a bit strong, they are only in place for the welfare of the students. Only time will tell how these rules will affect the student body.  Tell us your opinion!