Tardiness

This is an area that many children and families continue to struggle with. While we realize that there are legitimate reasons for being late on occasion, repetitive lateness for students does tend to garner the attention of classroom teachers and office staff. In an attempt to monitor this situation, we send home letters to parents of students who fall into this category. If there is need for a second letter, this will followed up by either a Pupil Services Team or a home visit from the PPW. This person investigates the high incidence of tardiness and the reasons given by the parents.

If a student arrives after the 8:45 bell has rung, they must report to the office and check in as tardy. There is a book in the office where parents need to sign in at the time they arrive in the office. There is a clock in the office so that the exact time can be recorded. A pink late slip will be issued to the child, who will then hand it to their teacher once they arrive in the classroom. Occasional tardiness is understandable, consistent tardiness is a concern.

If you are bringing your child to school instead of letting them ride on the county bus, the onus is on you to make sure they are arriving at school on time. Getting to class late and having to get ready while others are starting the instructional day creates interruptions for the classroom teacher and other students, and starts your child’s day off on chaotic course, as they rush to play catch-up. The secretaries are often dealing with as many as a half dozen students on a daily basis. Your assistance in making sure your child(ren) arrive on time sends out the message to all of the value you place on their education.

Often parents call in during the day to request their children be alerted to end of the day transportation changes. In an effort to minimize interruption to the instructional program, the following procedure is followed. When parents call in, student names are recorded on a steno pad. We indicate the child’s name, homeroom teacher, and change of plans for that afternoon. This information is shared over the intercom at 3:10 along with the afternoon announcements. We have shared with the homeroom teachers the importance of having children ready to listen to the information during this time. In the event a child is unsure of what to do, they can be referred to the office for clarification.