HHS New Attendance Policy Begins

With the new attendance policy and the appointment of a new attendance director, it is important to understand how this policy will affect HHS students and get to know previous HHS Attendance Director Lance Creech.

“I think at least now with this attendance policy, our hope is that it opens a line of communication with us, the students and guardians, that we can do our job and we can educate these kids so they have a better opportunity once they leave Hastings High,” returning HHS Attendance Director Lance Creech said. 

Some students might find this policy to be strict, especially since some students may need a mental health day or genuinely feel unwell but can’t visit a doctor for a doctor’s note. 

“When you think about it, it’s eight unexcused absences per class (for each semester), so for kids who have five or six classes, that’s a lot of absentees. We can’t do our job as educators if kids aren’t in the building,” Creech said. 

Some students might skip class just to avoid attending, but teachers need them in school to teach essential material. When students are absent, it delays the teachers because they have to reteach the missed lessons. 

“I’m doing my job, and you might not like what I have to say, (but) I still have your best interest in mind. Although we do have some consequences, our best intentions are to educate their child and again, if they’re not here, we can’t do our job,” Creech said.

Ultimately, teachers and staff have the students’ best interests at heart, but they can’t fulfill this role if students are not present. This policy aims to demonstrate to students that regular attendance is crucial. By being present, students can fully engage with the curriculum and benefit from the educational opportunities provided for them. 

“If kids are having a problem with, whether it’s attendance or in a class, I may not have the answer, but I can direct them or find somebody that can help them. You don’t get into education to get rich, you do it so you can show them the importance of school,” Creech said.