Santa Fe High School’s principal Catherine Johnston, recorded a staggering 1,037 tardies throughout the second week of school in Aug. 2024, prompting the administration to enforce a strict new policy: START on TIme, safe transitions, and reduce tardiness.
After passing period ends, teachers are required to close their classroom doors. Any students who are late must get a tardy slip. Some students are caught by one of the 15 teachers who are assigned to patrol the hallways during Tardy Sweeps, ensuring that late arrivals are tallied for and sent to class immediately.
“One of our number one jobs is to keep students safe,” Principal Catherine Johnston said. “Tardy sweeps help a lot with keeping them [students] in class and getting to class on time.”
While the administration sees tardy sweeps as a safety measure, students have mixed feelings about the policy. Some students struggle with the timing, especially when their next class is on the opposite side of the school.
“I hate tardy sweeps, every single day, I almost get in trouble,” Senior Styxx Contreras said. “It’s almost physically impossible to get from the back of C and D hall, into the back of G hall.”
Contreras, like many students, feels the pressure to rush between classes, especially when schedules are tight. While some students are unhappy about Tardy sweeps, others are glad that Tardy Sweeps are in place.
“I think Tardy Sweeps are pretty good because these kids need to stay in class,” Junior Da’Jeriona Gresham said. “I know too many people that are always just roaming the halls.”
Three tardies are equivalent to one unexcused absence. Other consequences for tardies may include lunch or after-school detention. Students and parents can keep track of the students’ attendance through Infinite Campus. Students will lose credit once they reach nine absences, this is why getting to class on time is important.
Despite the mixed feelings about the new policy, They are a great way to encourage students to get to class on time. As Santa Fe continues with tardy sweeps, only time will tell if the benefits outweigh the frustrations felt by students.
