Mountain Range Students Speak Out on Tardy Policy

By Lilah G.

At Mountain Range High School the tardy policy has become one of the most talked about rules among students. Under the current system students receive a detention after three tardies and teachers use Minga passes to track and enforce the rule. The policy was created to help reduce the number of students coming late to class and Mountain Ranges principal Ms. Hansen has stated that it has been effective saying it has 100 percent helped kids get to class faster.

However many students disagree with how the policy is carried out. Grace R. explained that the system can feel too strict especially in the mornings when being late is often out of a student’s control. She believes students should be given more time before receiving a tardy and that teachers should trust students’ explanations without always requiring a pass.

Jack W. and Caleb K. share a similar view saying the rule is unfair because students cannot always control situations like traffic or delays at home. They argue that the policy should only apply later in the day, not in the mornings.

Ms. Hansen supports the rule but also recognizes that traffic can sometimes make it difficult for students to arrive on time. When she knows traffic is affecting students she sends out an email to parents and teachers letting them know tardies will not be given that day. She believes the policy is important because it holds students accountable and motivates them to get to class faster.

Kyle P. takes a slightly different stance. He admits to being late nearly every other day and has already served detention for it. Still he does not think the policy is unfair. For him being late is a personal responsibility not something to blame on parents or outside factors.

While opinions are mixed one thing is clear,  Mountain Range students are passionate about how the tardy policy impacts them. The debate continues over whether stricter rules are necessary to keep students on time or if more flexibility should be offered to account for the realities of daily life.