Students scramble through the halls, dodge swinging doors, leap over conglomerations of chattering children, practically sprint to their first period class when the bell rings. It is 7:33 and they are still at least 12 paces away from their classroom. However, due to the new tardy policy, if one arrives to their first period by 7:45 a.m., passes are not necessary.

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“This way we eliminate the work and have teachers report the tardies,” Wade said. This new first period policy works exactly the same way as tardies are reported for the rest of the day. The teacher records the tardies in the computer without the need to obtain a physical pass.

“I think it’s great. It took too much time to process it and took too much time out of class. I don’t know who came up with it, but I applaud them.” Denise Ankudowich, French teacher, said.

“That’s a great policy because if someone is 30 seconds late it doesn’t make sense to go and get a pass and miss more stuff.” Hillary Dale, senior, said.

However, though hand-written tardy passes are no longer required for late admittance into first period classes, the tardies are real and being noted. Parents are still required to call in the front office in order to excuse any absence.