Winter Springs High School students have been in a constant battle over their attendance (or lack thereof). Over the 2023-2024 school year, Mr. Gaffney has been exceedingly vocal about improving attendance rates throughout the school. There have been struggles with unexcused absences and tardies alike. The administration has implemented procedures such as tardy sweeps to keep these numbers at a minimum, yet the issue continues to prevail.
The WSHS administration implemented a new measure further to regulate the uprising’s lack of proper attendance. Mr. Gaffney made a post on Instagram detailing the new WSHS Attendance Plan. The pictures outlined some of the new proactive measures that they will be putting into place, “effective immediately.” five unexcused absences and ten unexcused tardies in the 2nd-semester will lead to the loss of the 2024 prom and Senior Picnic so far. Students need to worry about not only the remainder of this year but next year as well. Ten unexcused absences in the second semester will also lead to students being unable to purchase a parking permit or a Homecoming Ticket in the 2024-2025 school year. Mr. Gaffney may add more activities and events to both lists if deemed necessary.
Along with the accountability reinforcements, there is also a Positive Reinforcement Plan. This plan is catered to reward students who continuously attend school and excuse their absences. Students with no unexcused absences in the 2nd semester will receive a Bear Pass. The Bear Pass is eligible for any student 9-12 as long as they meet that criteria. Students who earn a pass will be rewarded with a positive reward each month. The rewards will be handed out during lunch, but the current reward dates are still to be determined. Mr. Gaffney believes rewarding students who have upheld their attendance is essential alongside accountability reinforcements.
Winter Spring High School aims to have the best attendance in Seminole County in semester two. Mr. Gaffney wishes to praise students for maintaining good attendance and simultaneously hold students accountable for unfavorable attendance. Unexcused absences and tardiness are the main focus, and together, the students of WSHS will be able to tackle this obstacle.
