NEWSDEPTH QUESTION OF THE WEEK: Do you think there should be a consequence to being late for school or class? If yes, tell us why and what should the consequence be. If no, tell us why not.
Savannah, Jefferson Elementary: I don't think there should be a consequence for being tardy. I believe someone may have an explanation as for why they were tardy. Being late for classes may have something to do with being late for school. Talking in the halls before class is a different story. So it depends on what the students were doing.
Madeline and Carson, Cloverleaf Elementary: We don't think that there should be a tardy slip fee because sometimes it is not the student’s fault for being late for class. It's wasting the parent’s money for important stuff like food, clothes, water, etc. Also, the students will maybe have to pay themselves, and their parents won't pay.
David, Westwood Elementary: I believe that there should be consequences for being late to school. For example, if you are late to class, you have to make up the work you missed after school or during study hall. But, if you have a note that is not just a silly reason to be late like you were busy walking your dog before school, then it should also be excused. Another consequence could be helping the teacher during free time or recess by cleaning up. Consequences are needed because if students are late all the time, it makes the teacher have to start the lesson over for each student that is late. That is why I believe that you should have a consequence for being late for school.
Katherine, Mason Intermediate: I think that a consequence to tardies is necessary but paying a fee I think is a little over the top. Losing lunch time or detention could be reasonable consequences for tardy students at a high school.
Julia, The Westminster Schools: I think that kids are kids. We forget things, and we are clumsy! Of course sometimes we will be late. Sometimes there's traffic too, and there's no excuse for that. I also think that families who might have a financial problem can't afford to pay late fines. I see what the teachers are saying, and it's frustrating to have children come late, but charging them just isn't the right way to end it.
Elisabeth, Jordak Elementary: I think there should be a consequence for being tardy to school. The consequence I believe should be a consequence is an extra page of homework for being late to school. I believe this is a wonderful consequence because being late means your teacher may have assigned homework that is very important and for a side dish of knowledge a few extra questions to even it out. I also believe this a terrific idea because you have missed a little bit of class and will need to make up in some way. The last reason I feel that extra homework is a nice reason is you missed some of the class which also means you missed out on some learning that helps you stay smart. That is why I feel there should be some form of punishment for being tardy to class.