Durango High School students are all facing a new attendance policy this year. The rule states that if a student has more than 5 unexcused absences in a weighted class, then their grade will no longer be weighted. 

This policy has been shown in every syllabus in a weighted class. So, if a student has more than 5 unexcused absences, their grade loses weight. This means that if you had a “B” in that class, it would have the weight of an “A”, but when it loses its weight, it will remain at the weight of “B” when it averages to your GPA. 

Excused absence can be things like being sick or a doctor’s appointment; however, if the school notices that your absences are excessive, they may ask for proof to still count as excused. It’s best to check with an administrator to check if your absence is excused or not if you feel like you’re in a gray area.

Because this policy is new, many things are left unknown. We are so early in the school year, and it’s unclear how this policy will really play out.

So far, reactions have been mixed. Many think that this is a great way for attendance to go up. However, many also think that the rule is unfair. “I have lots of sports and things I do out of school, and I don’t want to worry about whether my absence is excused or not and if I get in my APs”, one student said. 

Weighted grades play a major role in class rankings, scholarship opportunities, and college admissions. Losing that weight could lower a student’s GPA and affect their plans. While the policy’s goal may be to improve attendance, it has left many students anxious about how one semester’s absences could impact years of hard work.

As the year continues, the true impact of the new absence policy will become clearer. For now, students are left with questions and uncertainty.