Grafton High Cracks Down on Tardiness

Grafton High School students who are tardy six times now must develop an attendance plan to arrive on time.

"'Are you dropping somebody off? Are you picking up other students?'" Principal Jim Pignataro told the Grafton School Committee Monday night.

The measure was among some changes the board approved to the tardy and dismissal section of the high school's attendance policy, at Pignataro's request.

"I can tell you that the policy we have right now is not effective," Pignataro said.

"When you see that high a number of tardies, there's a problem there."

Under the policy in place for the 2012-2013 academic year, students were allowed two unexcused tardies before facing penalties.

A third unexcused tardy resulted in one administrative detention. A fourth unexcused tardy resulted in two administrative detentions. And a fifth unexcused tardy resulted in one Saturday school session and a mandatory parent conference.

The new penalties are: fourth unexcused tardy, one office detention; fifth unexcused tardy, one Saturday school session and a mandatory parent conference; sixth unexcused tardy, one Saturday school session and an attendance plan; and seventh unexcused tardy, loss of privileges.