High school absence policy reviewed

The Whitefish High School student handbook states 'students can accumulate 10 absences each semester. If a student has over 10 absences and tardies in any class, he/she will be given an F and lose credit in the class."

This termed "10-day policy" has always been a topic of heated debate among students. This past week, students shared their thoughts on the policy through a random survey.

Students were given the description of the policy as well as the main arguments, both in favor and in opposition, of the current attendance rule. Of 133 surveyed students from all grade levels, 101 students selected 'no,' they didn't think the high school should continue its use of the 10-day policy. Eighteen students chose 'yes,' in support of the policy and 14 were unsure.

Those in opposition held strong arguments. The most frequent was that the 10-day policy should be changed for responsibility reasons.

"If students are able to keep up their grades while missing school, I do not see a reason why an attendance policy should interfere with their education," one student asserted.

"It should be a matter of personal responsibility," another student agreed. "It is the student's choice."

Other opponents of the policy stated that such an attendance rule does not make room for issues such as family vacations or prolonged illnesses.

"Other issues are brought up that are unavoidable, such as death in the family, illness, vacations, or for some, required interviews for college and appointments," one student stated.

"Last year, I almost failed my classes because my family and I took a two-week vacation to Hawaii," commented another student. "To me, that is highly unfair."

A few students who experienced swine flu "found the issue very troublesome."

The surveyed students in support of the policy also held persuasive views, with many stating that it is quite fair.

"I really don't think it's that hard to miss less than 10 days," one asserted. "One has spring and Christmas breaks for vacations."

"It forces students to take responsibility," agreed another. "Students can go on family vacations during long weekends or summer. As for prolonged illnesses, one is able to be excused by a doctor."

Others supported the policy for its practicality.

"The 10-day policy cuts down on tardiness and absences," said a student. "I think that it is good to keep people from being absent too much. Kids need to be in school to learn; the policy is flexible for unique situations."

"It teaches students what it is like in the real world," a student stated. "If you miss work frequently, you will not be there for long."

As for compromises on the policy, some students suggested changing the 10 days to 15 or considering only "unexcused" absences rather than "excused" absences..

Both sides of the issue hold fairly strong arguments, but when it comes to the majority, most students do feel the 10-day policy should be changed.