This year, the Los Altos’ tardy policy has been changed. This new tardy policy will give students more of an incentive to get to class on time. The administration is returning the school to the old tardy policy from two years ago.

The plan is that when a student reaches six tardies, he or she is required to complete fifteen hours of community service . At seven tardies, thirty hours of community service is required.

            This is a dramatic change from the recent tardy policy which was at six tardies students would receive Saturday school and a loss of privileges to buy tickets for dances. At seven tardies, students would be dropped from the class with no credit, Saturday school, and a loss of all school privileges.

            If a student arrives 20 minutes after the bell, they are considered tardy. If the student arrives 21 minutes, or later they are considered absent.

            In the eyes of most students, the tardy policy is a bit extreme. Sophomore Christine White says, “I understand why they are changing it, but thirty hours is kinda a lot.”

On the other hand, many teachers support the modification. Not only is tardiness a disturbance for teachers and students who are on time to class, but the new policy will get students in the habit of being accountable for their actions. According to Jeffery Hess, vice-principal, “We are bringing back an old policy to encourage students to get to class on time.”