A new tardy policy implemented this year would encourage teachers to reach out to families when students have more than three tardies in a class. Students who accumulate tardies across multiple class periods will be assigned to a Study Hall intervention session with an administrator.

Anthro Magazine asked Palo Alto High School students about their thoughts on the new policy.

“Being on time is just a good habit to develop, and having an email sent home to my parents did help with my attendance a lot, I haven’t been tardy since I got the email.” — Diya Lansberg, senior

“The tardy policy just gives me more pressure to have to be on time. The school should be a little more laid back in terms of tardiness. If you’re only two minutes late, they shouldn’t be so strict about it.” — Kane Do, freshman

The tardy policy has affected me quite a bit because especially in the mornings, I’m typically a little bit late. Even though I might be there before any actual material has been started, I still receive a tardy. Until actual material starts, tardies should not be applicable.” — Malcolm Ginwalla, sophomore

“I’m not usually tardy, so the policy hasn’t really affected me yet. Having a stricter tardy policy is good, because it’ll make sure people get to class on time, but not too strict because sometimes you’re going to be tardy no matter what.” — Freya Lyon, junior

Photos by Anna Feng and Sophia Yang