Its 8:10 a.m., you’re running late to school, so you ask your parents to write you a late note to be excused. You arrive at school and notice that there is no line outside Mrs. E’s office.  You are told to go straight to class. When you ask a friend in class what the deal is, you are told your note is now not acceptable and your teacher marked you late in the Genesis system.  If you had come after 8:25 you would have been counted absent first period.

This year’s new attendance policy features many changes and students will see marked differences from last year.

A few of these changes are: late notes are not excused anymore, students are directed to go right to class instead of going to Mrs. Emiliani in the attendance office, attendance is recorded in the attendance computer system every period, and if you arrive at school later than 8:25, it is counted as an absence for that class.

“I think more students may lose credit due to this new policy, especially students who are often late to school” said Mrs. E

Principal Glen Cesa believes the opposite. He says that fewer students will lose credit because of a new incentive to get to class on time.

“The number of absences was too high last year, so this will reduce that and the lateness” said Mr. Cesa. “The most important thing is more time in class,” he says.

In support of his position, the number of tardies has already shown a marked decrease this year.

“The system is easier for me since it is all on the computer program Genesis, but now I have to be on top of each teacher being accountable to take attendance every period” said Mrs. E.

Teachers who neglect to take attendance any period have gotten used to getting a “friendly reminder” from the attendance office to update their attendance.  Teachers can note attendance by hand as they are conducting class but must, by the end of a given school day, access the Genesis system, and record their attendance for that day.

Mrs. E says the new morning routine is better for the aspect of learning because instead of waiting online to get a pass when they are already late, students are sent straight to class instead.

Most seniors seem unhappy with the new change.

“I think it’s unfair because if were running a few minutes late we shouldn’t get in trouble for it” says senior Dayna DellaValle.