On Time for Learning: The Importance of Punctuality at AMHS

              On Time for  Learning: The Importance of Punctuality at AMHS

By: Yya Nicholle  Curato

         At Auburn Mountainview High School (AMHS), ignoring the growing number of student tardiness is challenging.  The administration of AMHS recently reported more than 9,000 tardies in just this quarter alone, which led to a review of the administration to implement new measures aimed at improving student punctuality. The importance of addressing this urgent problem is evident, requiring collaboration from students, teachers, and parents with new rules and outcomes established. Whereas the student body had a variety of reactions to the changes, showing both approval and apprehension about the new policies. 

        In order to address ongoing lateness issues, the school implemented a graduated system of penalties. Upon reaching 10 tardies, students were given lunch detention, at 20 they were assigned after-school detention, and once they hit 30, they had to attend Lion Academy. One major modification was the administration and security personnel’s five-minute post-bell “Sweep” of the hallways. These modifications show that AMHS is dedicated to enhancing student attendance. 

        Moreover, the school implemented more stricter security protocols. Students had to use designated entrances like the east and west courtyard, the front of the school, and the bus area during morning and after-school hours when door alarms went off. Everyone had to enter through the designated entrance since all doors, with the exception of the front one, were locked precisely at 8:10 A.M.

        Talking about these changes, Principal Terri Herren emphasized the key concerns, “ The Primary issue was teachers have voiced that the disruptions caused by the tardy students, which may not only interrupt lessons but also hinder the focus on who arrives on time .” By tackling this problem, the school intends to make the school environment more fair and productive for all. 

        However, AMHS students  have different opinions about the new tardiness policy that the school implemented. There were a variety of mixed responses from the student body. Some of the students see it as a positive change, Senior Bre’Anna Fugate noted, “The policy helps students make it to class on time, but it feels unfair for those with classes far apart or who need to use a bathroom. A suggestion would be to allow two warnings before lunch detentions”. Sophomore Jaida Aletha also shared a similar perspective, “It helps some students get to class on time, but the new security doors slow down the access to some classes, and restroom breaks are harder.”  

       Junior Obed Varghese noted how the policy impacts students with tight schedules, “The policy ensures students to get to class on time, but it’s tough for students in Running Start or college who have tight schedules and might always be tardy which is bad for them”. Jona Amor Pineda, a freshman, shared her own personal experience explaining how this new approach really affects her, “Since my classes are in portable, the new gates make it even harder to get to class and use the bathroom on time so I just end up holding it until the end of the day.”

      Principal Terri Herrin understands the multiple reactions to the new policy, “I know not everyone loves it, but teachers appreciate starting class on time without worrying about late arrivals.” Moreover she noted, “We’ve decreased tardies by half, and the number of students in the hall after the bell is down significantly.” This  illustrates how the AMHS has made a progression combating tardiness and cultivating a more responsible educational environment.

    The push for better punctuality highlights the challenges of balancing efficiency with fairness. Although improving promptness is the goal of the new measures, the range of student opinions demonstrates how hard the problem is for them. Some students may find the regulation more difficult to follow due to their busy schedules, the distances between classes, and the short toilet breaks. However, some take it as an essential step toward improving school discipline and culture. Going forward, constant communication and modifications will be necessary to guarantee that the system functions well for every person in the AMHS.