Administrators Plan to Enforce Tardy Policy

“Beginning on January 4^th, the first day after Holiday Break, South Kingstown High School’s tardy policy will go into full effect,” reads a December 14 email from Assistant Principal Mrs. Guerra to faculty advisors.

  Administration have decide it is now time to enforce the policy that appears in the  school’s Student Agenda.

  While the school has always had a disciplinary policy regarding students who are tardy to school, the policy was revised for this school year.

  The policy states that “South Kingstown High School does not distinguish between excused and unexcused tardies… After more than ten tardies to school students will lose the privilege of participating in extra-curricular activities, field trips, and [if they are a senior] will lose parking privileges.”

  Administration predicts that 55 to 60 students, including winter season athletes will be affected by the enforcement of the policy. Athletes who take part in a winter or spring sports this year should take warning, as during the five days of social probation they will not be allowed to practice, participate in games, or even travel with the team, which could result in the students’ dismissal from the team.

    If the student is late to school within the five days of his or her social probation, however, he or she will lose all privileges for the entirety of the semester.

    Prior to January 4, all students who arrived late to school more than 10 times before Holiday Break will be given a warning. If the students are late an additional time they will receive social probation.

  Assistant Principal Mr. Cronin explained that, “the students with more than 10 tardies will be treated as if they have only been late nine times. The next late will be considered their tenth.”

  In the future, at the closure of every semester, each student’s record will be wiped clean. After January 25^th, everyone will have zero tardy arrivals to school on their record.

In the past, the school has struggled to implement punishment for students who have been tardy to or absent from school.  

  Many students point out the lack of penalty after receiving a letter in the mail from the school concerning the number of times they have arrived late to school. Others question whether or not this policy will differ from those in the past.

    “The first semester could act as a warning,” said Mr. Cronin, “since after we return to school there will only be ten days of classes left before exams begin.”