[CCHS] tardiness

[Art Dulong]

Good afternoon,

	I am writing this in an effort to address an issue that the teachers as a
group are expressing frustration about. The issue is tardiness to school.
Without doubt there are as many reasons for tardiness to school as there
are students who are tardy. On the one hand we try not to be overly
punitive because the tardiness is sometimes out of their control. On the
other hand, any non response or light response seems to send a message
that no one cares. As mentioned the teachers care a great deal. 

	First, I have created a template for the secretaries on the front lines
of the excuses to make a better attempt to determine excused or unexcused
absences. The template is attached. It very closely follows the language
of the handbook. Second, by virtue of a recent faculty meeting, teachers
should understand that they have the right and authority to implement
policies and procedures for their own classroom. I will back them if they
implement a policy requiring detention time, make up time, etc.. Third, I
am expecting the assistant principals to follow up with students deemed to
be frequent offenders. I consulted with a small number of parents who
attended the coffee today.They were in agreement that a) most parents
would not know that tardiness to school has become a large enough issue
that teachers desired faculty meeting time to discuss it and b) most
parents would be very supportive of efforts to try to correct it as an
issue - even if those efforts meant consequences for the students.

	Lastly, I would just ask that you, as parent, to whatever you can to help
your child get here on time (and then get to class on time). i am aware
that traffic on campus can be difficult. We have been trying to clear that
up and I am certain that it is better than last year. But... limited
roadway and a crush of people all trying to get here at the same time will
create a problem. Once again, for those who can, I would ask that you try
to get here prior to 7:20. It seems that there is a real crush of traffic
between 7:20 and 7:30. Remember 7:30 is the first bell.

	Thanks in advance for whatever help/support you can provide as we try to
alter what seems to be becoming an inappropriate cultural norm for many. 

Arthur Dulong
Principal, CCHS
(978) 341-2490 x7110