At CHS, we are committed to creating an environment where every student has the greatest opportunity to succeed. Over the past three years, we have implemented initiatives designed to increase instructional time, improve attendance, and strengthen student accountability. Because each class period is only 47 minutes, every minute of instruction matters. Frequent tardiness had become disruptive to learning and was causing students to miss valuable instructional time. By implementing and consistently enforcing a more stringent tardy policy, CHS has seen students arrive on time more consistently, disruptions decrease, and student engagement improve.
CHS also strengthened its attendance expectations by providing incentives for positive attendance and consequences for excessive absences. The results have been significant: chronic absenteeism decreased from 42.93% to 22.9%, a reduction of approximately 20 percentage points. Administration has also worked to consistently enforce expectations related to dress code, cell phones, ditching, and other areas of student conduct. As students spend more time in class and less time unsupervised, CHS administration has also noticed a significant decrease in inappropriate and prohibited behaviors, including fighting, ditching, congregating in bathrooms, and vaping. These policies are not intended to be punitive; they are designed to create a safe, orderly, and productive learning environment.
We believe that high expectations help students develop the habits necessary for success in high school and employability skills beyond high school. Being present, being on time, being prepared, and meeting reasonable expectations are important life skills. The strong support we have received from the overwhelming majority of our teachers and parents, combined with measurable improvements in attendance, engagement, and student behavior, reinforces our commitment to maintaining these standards. At CHS, our goal is simple: to ensure that every student is present, engaged, safe, and given the best possible opportunity to succeed.
We understand that morning traffic congestion can be frustrating and may occasionally make arriving at school on time more challenging. We appreciate the efforts many families have made to adjust their morning routines and allow a few extra minutes for travel so that students can arrive safely and be in their first-period classes on time. Thank you for your continued partnership and support in helping us maintain a safe, orderly, and effective learning environment for all CHS students.
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