Principal Matthew Hewitson was elated when he made the official announcement on Wednesday, May 17. In addition to an extended lunch, newly lowered absence/tardy rates were the subject of the third period bulletin.

Students may recall that strict attendance requirements were implemented earlier this semester. The administration had decided to begin cracking down on unexcused absences and tardies in an attempt to raise the school’s poor attendance levels. The idea was that these requirements would would give hopeful prom attendees an incentive to arrive to class on time.

The new rules turned out to be quite successful in accomplishing the school’s goal. Since then, there had been a significant drop in the number of unexcused absences and tardies being reported—over 50%. During the third period message, Hewitson praised students for their improved attendance. He also thanked teachers and announced that this special hour-long lunch would be in honor of their hard work.

Unfortunately, these good intentions had had bad consequences. Some students saw the hour-long lunch as a chance to leave campus. In response to prior student ditch attempts, admins and school police officers had been posted at multiple areas around school. Students on the front lawn most likely witnessed at least one case in which kids were caught trying to skip out on fifth period.

Admins also found themselves faced with another unseen dilemma: student food orders. The school had made it clear in past announcements that this practice is not condoned, and that students who do choose to order on-campus food deliveries would face penalties for their actions.

Cars bearing big restaurant signs (e.g. Domino’s) were easily identified by school officials. Other delivery services (e.g. UberEATS) were more discreet, however. While a few may have been able to receive their food without issues, others were not so lucky. Administrators patrolled the lawn facing Dana Avenue for much of lunch, and on more than one occasion they confiscated food items as they were delivered.