High school is primarily based on numbers: SAT scores, ISAT scores, grade percent averages, number of absences or tardies. Missing one day of school can make it difficult to keep up and raise anxiety for students.
In class, I have heard students talk about wanting to miss school but being unable to because of grades or assignments. Every day is filled with tests, homework, or projects. Each day, another due date. It makes it difficult to keep up when not attending school, and I sometimes feel like I can not even take a day to rest or a sick day.
“I cannot even afford a sick day because it is so stressful,” Maya Keck said.
Students are also required to petition for credit in their class if they miss more than nine days of school.
This is hard because I feel like we should not have to worry about whether we can miss school or not. Taking a day off only adds to the stress of school we already have because now we have double the amount of assignments. However, we get two days for each day we miss so that lightens the blow a bit.
“It depends on the person because if they are a motivated student they will be able to catch up, but for others it will be hard when they miss a lot of school,” Hall said.
Some students also have a 504 plan. This is an adaptation to Lakeland Students’ day to day plans. This can be for students who need medical accommodations, mental or physical.
“It’s nice to have my requirements met without making a big deal,” Heidi Halgren said.
People who have this helps the count of absences go down because any related to their medical issue can be excused.
“504 plans are there for a legitimate reason and really help our students with their medical conditions,” Lakeland teacher Shannon Hall said.
Missing school can make it difficult to keep up with schoolwork, but there are ways to still be successful if students stay motivated and communicate with their teachers.
