This week, I interviewed two teachers and one of our security guards around campus here at PHS to find out whether students’ attendance has improved or gotten worse ever since the off-lunch campus requirements. I also wanted to find out if tardiness has been seen way more than before.
(I began by asking the following questions to the security guard and the teachers)
1. Do you believe there have been more absences this year than before?
Mark (Security Guard): “Yes, but when I say absent, I mean not in class but instead roaming the halls with their friends.”
Mr. Brault: “Attendance has improved significantly since implementing off-campus restrictions last year. In the 1st trimester of the 2023-2024 school year, we had 13% fewer tardies than the first trimester of the previous year. This year, first trimester tardies dropped by another 3%.”
Ms. Dunn: “I see a big improvement in attendance, it’s gotten way better.”
2. Do you think there are more tardies than before?
Mark (Security Guard): “Yes, there are more tardies than before because there is not enough discipline for those who are tardy.”
Mr. Brault: “No, I do not think there are more tardies, like I said in the previous question.”
Ms. Dunn: “No, I think it’s gotten better except for first period, when they are really bad at being on time.”
3. Do you think having off-campus lunch requirements is essential for students?
Mark (Security Guards): “Yes, I believe having the off-campus lunch requirement is important for students because it’s a privilege if you’re on time, you get to go out, but if you’re late, you should face consequences.”
Mr. Brault: “We have heard from students that they value their ability to leave campus for lunch. If students can manage their time off campus responsibly, then they will be trusted to leave campus; if they cannot, then we have to create restrictions to help them meet expectations.”
Ms. Dunn: “Yes, I think it is because it’s been a huge motivation for students to show up and be on time.”
4. Do you believe this rule will be necessary for students?
Mark (Security Guards): “Yes, I believe it will be very important, and that’s why I think the principal should add more discipline.”
Mr. Brault: “Yes. There are no plans to change the policy for the future, so I expect we will continue as it is.”
Ms. Dunn: “I think they should keep it.”
5. Do you believe being on time is important?
Mark (Security Guard): “Absolutely, it’s a life skill.”
Mr. Brault: “Yes. Not only do students who show up for class consistently have better grades, but it also builds a habit required for success in a career. Most employers will not tolerate employees who cannot consistently show up on time.”
Ms. Dunn: “Yes, it is, but it’s also ok to be late occasionally.”
(The following questions I only asked the teachers)
Do you believe that students that walk in late after lunch create a distraction to the other students? Why?
Mr. Brault: “It depends on how the student enters. It is very distracting when they enter and must dap up three people before finding their seats and getting out their materials. Even when they enter quietly, it can be distracting to other students.
Ms. Dunn: “Definitely because they show their food to their friends and know they all want some.”
7. Have you noticed a difference in attendance patterns between students who have off-campus lunch privileges and those who don’t?
Mr. Brault: “Students who have better attendance get better grades. This is clear from any data I’ve seen. If there are specific comparisons, I am happy to provide them. Just for comparison: 45% of the students who have off campus this week were on the Honor Roll last trimester, whereas only 15% of the students who do not have off campus this week were on the Honor Roll last trimester.
Ms. Dunn: “No, I don’t because I don’t know who has off-campus and which do.”
