The classrooms may start to feel a little empty after May 9, as senior grades freeze on that day. This has many Redhawks considering using any available absences at this time, but it doesn’t mean attendance isn’t taken for seniors. 

“Attendance policies are in effect until the last day of school, so I’ll be doing my job, just as I have the rest of the year,” attendance clerk Noah Basie said. “I can’t do anything other than code parent notes, doctors’ notes, excuses and all that. So if you’ve got them, turn them in, I can excuse those days. But if you don’t, they go in as they go in, be it unresolved or unexcused.”

Senior Sofia Golladay has been saving up her days and will use them towards her fourth period class.

“All my friends get out so early,” Golladay said. “I purposefully didn’t miss school during this semester so I could use my leftover absences to get out early on the days I have a fourth period.”

Students are allotted four parent excused absences and ten unexcused absences per semester. Medical excused absences do not count towards these numbers; however, the student must maintain the 90% attendance rule no matter what. If a student surpasses the limit or does not meet the 90%, they will potentially be referred to the truancy tribunal. 

Redhawks, who would like to soak up their final senior days instead of missing out, can attend various senior-only activities during the last few weeks. 

“Me and all the guys are for the kickball tournament,” senior Lucas Godoy said. “We’re rallying the soccer troops and we’re gonna dominate.”