It’s no secret to Falcons that things are changing around the upper school: the change in dress code policy, no food deliveries, after-school detention, a revamped tardy policy, you name it.  

One of the biggest, and most notable shifts has been in the new tardy policy.

This policy became enforced in order for students to get to class on time, and not miss school due to non-medical reasons. 

Unlike the old tardy policy, this one warrants new consequences for being late which include: 

• 1st offense:  verbal warning
• 2nd offense: verbal warning + parent notification
• 3rd offense: after- school detention + parent notification
• 4th offense: Parent Meeting
• Subsequent offenses: To be determined by Administration

According to the Upper School Assistant Director Mr. Jaime Moore, the new system has made a positive impact on the upper school.

“So far, there have been fewer absences and less tardies,” Moore said.  “The student body has done a great job of meeting these expectations.”

In contrast, some students, like junior Annika Elisha, have found the new tardy policy as unfavorable and stressful.

“If you have medical issues like me…” Elisha said. “I feel like the new tardy policy puts more pressure on me to go to class, even if I’m not feeling 100%.”

Elisha conveyed that she felt the new policy is too rigorous and will force students to go to class when they feel unwell, which would cause their academic studies to weaken.  

“I hope to see this policy change to become favorable to students,”Elisha said.

Upper School math and engineering teacher Mrs. Regina Hays strongly agrees with the effectiveness of this.

“It was distracting when kids were coming in late,” Hays said. “Now that they are being held accountable for it, it makes the year go smoother.”