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the previous year! The overall RCHS absence rate dropped from 6.8 percent to 4.7 percent, an astounding 31 percent improvement! What used to be a state-alerting embarrassment totally turned around.
During the past year there have been calls from some quarters that one section of the policy is too tough. There have been calls from other quarters that another section of the policy is too lenient. Perfect! This is what we need — a balanced approach, the 4 carrot and the stick, the 1 - incentive ana the punishment.
As to the future, a plan is in motion to remove the second semester exam exemption, leaving only the attendance credit and attendance probation legs of the tripod. This plan has been developed without involving the faculty or parents. Rappahannock had great results with the Committee’s Attendance Policy this year. Usually we get better results when we work together, but let’s see. Will next year’s attendance results will be as good as the Committee got this year, or will Rappahannock’s absence rate again make the Times Dispatch?
The last time I wrote to the newspaper about public policy I ended up getting called on the carpet by my boss. What will happen this time, I don’t know, but I do know it is important to have an attendance policy which is effective and balanced.
BRION PATTERSON
Boston
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