Allison Smith
In the halls of West Field High School, the subject of attendance is always a hot topic. Many students find it hard to wake up so they just hit that snooze button to sleep in and end up skipping the first period. For some, this decision is a regular occurrence, but it comes with consequences that cannot be ignored.
Izzy Price , a senior at West Field High, shares her experience with skipping the first period. “At first, it seemed fine,” she admits. “I thought I could make up the work later and that a little extra rest would help me focus better during the rest of the day.” However, Price soon figured out that missing the first period had a not very good effect on her school performance. “I started falling behind on assignments and missing important lectures. It wasn’t just about the sleep; it was about the consistency and discipline that I was losing.”
Price’s story is important for younger students. She started getting more stressed and worrying about grades and her attendance, she found herself in a worse situation as graduation approached. “I had to work twice as hard to get back on track,” she says. “It was stressful, and I had to get help from teachers and counselors to ensure I was meeting all my requirements.”
The question of whether skipping the first period and sleeping in is worth it ultimately depends on the student. For Price, the answer became clear as she faced the reality of her choices. “I regret it,” she confesses. “If I could go back, I would have made a greater effort to make it to all my classes. The extra sleep wasn’t worth the long-term stress and worrying constantly about graduating on time.”
As we talk about graduation, what are the graduation requirements? What are the attendance requirements to graduate and get your diploma? For here at West Field High you must meet specific requirements, including earning a total of 27 credits across various subjects. Additionally, maintaining good attendance is crucial. Students must ensure that their attendance credit loss does not fall below a 0.75, as excessive unexcused absences and tardies can impact their eligibility to graduate. By meeting these academic and attendance standards, students can successfully complete their High School education and receive their diploma from West Field High School.
As Price prepares for her final exams and looks forward to graduation, she hopes her experience gives others a lesson. “Stay committed to your education,” she advises. “It’s okay to prioritize your health, but find a balance that doesn’t compromise your future.”