Absence policy abhorrent

Principal Batten has since changed the absence policy back to last year’s policy.

Seniors must have seven or less excused absences and no unexcused absences for the second semester in order to not take exams.

by John Benton and Julian Rojas

 Since the beginning of Carrboro High School’s existence, the class of 2011 has seen upperclassmen receive special attention. Seniors have a

"He just found out he had to take his finals... simply lost his will to live." Cartoon by John Benton

breakfast, class gift, special off-campus privileges, and until this year- no final exams. Due to a changed school policy this year, eight excused absences or one unexcused absence is all it takes to cause any Carrboro senior’s second semester to take a turn for the worst.

East Chapel Hill High School features a different policy, one that requires students to earn at least a “B” average in the class and they “must be in good attendence,” says ECHHS Principal Eileen Tully. Similar to CHS, Chapel Hill High School requires seniors to have at least a “C” average, no more than seven excused absences, and two unexcused absences. However, this rule applies only to the second semster, while Carrboro’s rule applies to the entire year.

While generous, we feel that the senior absence rule can be seen as somewhat unfair in certain circumstances. Specifically, various obligations outside of school force students to miss classes due to time constraints. This includes medical appointments, many of which are not easily accessible. Often, offices generally close at five o’ clock every day, making it nearly impossible to attend an appointment after school, adding contraints to a student’s schedule. Schedules are already full enough with extra-curricular activities and sports, in additon to their strenuous academic classes that students must contend with.

CHS’s new absence policy for seniors doesn’t take into account college visits. As many know, the time in which college visits take place can be extremely busy and stressful for those students preparing to move on from high school to pursue a higher education. Although the pressure is already bad enough with AP exams, scholarship and college applications, projects, and the pressure to succeed academically, this rule is simply detrimental to the success of CHS seniors.

Finally, this rule seems especially harsh to students in lower-socioeconomic groups. With little to no help from families, transportation to and from school can be very unforgiving for some students. Many times, students are kept home from school to care for sick family members or young children, while parents are working. Should these students be penalized for taking on additional family responsibilities?

Many students have already surpassed the seven absence limit. Accepting that they already have to take finals, there is no longer incentive to attend school as second- semester seniors. As proponents of a fair agreement, we believe that the rule from last year should be reinstated to better satisfy the needs of the senior class at Carrboro High School.

• John Benton
• Julan Rojas