Most Whitney Young alumni remember an attendance policy commonly described as easy and stress-free; parents could easily sign out their children with a quick email, or excuse an absence with a quick explanation. Students could take mental health days to combat the high levels of stress and anxiety school could cause. However, after being appointed Attendance Coordinator, Ms. Overom worked with Dr. Kenner to overhaul the policies. Whitney Young’s current seniors, the Class of 2019, was the first class under this new policy. Changes were made in order to combat multiple issues that the administration had with the old system. Parents can no longer use emails to excuse absences or to sign their students out. Instead, written notes are now the requirement in order for Ms. Overom to properly address issues with a student’s attendance. Students are also forced to bring notes from doctor appointments and other official documents as proof. Going into the 2018-2019 school year, Ms. Overom decided to expand upon the foundation she laid in the previous year. The system is now stricter in the form of harsher punishments for less than ideal attendance.

The new policy was announced in the Weekly on May 20, 2018. The direct statement reads “There will be a new attendance policy starting in the 2018-2019 school year.  As of 2018-2019 school year, senior students will be required to have a cumulative attendance rate of 95% or higher during their senior year in order to be eligible for participating in all of the senior activities”. Students quickly did the math and found out that 95% attendance rate is the equivalent to missing a maximum of 7 days within the entire school year. Students immediately responded, letting those in charge know that they were not pleased with this new system.

The policy was the talk of the town as most students agreed that it was flawed in one way or another. Conrad Echols, ‘19, reflected on the decision made by the administration to enforce these changes. “I think it sets people up for failure,” he says sternly. “It causes anxiety and unnecessary stress which isn’t ideal considering that mental health is a big issue in this school.” Kaleigh Gaffney, ‘19, also commented on the issue, providing her reasoning whilst trying to understand the decision. “I understand having a quota on attendance because seniors tend to skip classes more than other grades,” she says. “However, I believe 7 days for the whole school year is ridiculous. Personally, I get sick a lot and I can’t make it to the doctors every time,” she adds with a concerned tone. “Knowing that I have to save my days for dire situations only is disheartening, and stresses me out.” The policy has even gone so far as to alert the current juniors. Some have been intimidated by the strict conditions that await them next year. Jimi Taiwo ‘20, believes the policy goes against the idea that the staff are very understanding of student situations. “I hope that we will bring change before I become a senior,” he adds. “As a student-athlete, there are times where I get overwhelmed and have to take a day off to prepare myself mentally and physically.” Yoshua “Yoshi” Kemet ‘20, also brought up what he perceives as blatant disregard of fair punishments. “The punishment doesn’t fit the crime” he begins. “I don’t understand how a student with a slew of academic and recreational accolades could have their whole senior experience ruined due to a couple of unexcused absences,” he states.

Dr. Kenner caught on to the disapproval and decided to loosen up a bit by considering slight changes. She encouraged students to come down to her office and speak with her as well as talk to Ms. Overom to discuss their concerns. Only time will tell if change is brought, but don’t expect any major reform to come immediately. So until then, get to your class on time, please alert the administration to anything that may prohibit you from achieving that 95% attendance rate!