Parkview is bringing new meaning to the word punctuality. Students may have heard rumors of the new tardy policy circulating throughout the halls.

“The tardy policy is not new,” says senior assistant principal, Mrs. Celestine Piggee. “This policy has been in effect for several years, but it has not been effectively enforced by all.”

All Little Rock School District administrators were notified by District Superintendent, Dr. Roy Brooks, that this would be a “year of accountability” for all of those affiliated with the education process.



Inconsistencies in hall traffic and the number of students assigned to detention for tardies sparked curiosity last school year. Although the majority of teachers were consistently documenting tardies, some were not. Verbal feedback from students stopped in the halls after the tardy bell confirmed growing suspicions.

When asked whose class they were late for, students repeatedly reported names that were not on the detention hall list. These were teachers students claimed did not care if they showed up on time, or didn’t want to take the time to document tardies.

In an effort to decrease tardies this school year, the administration is taking the extra steps necessary to uphold the policy. From now on, students in the hall after class has started will be documented by security and administration. If a student’s name is found on this list three times, they will be assigned detention by their assistant principal.

Teachers were notified in a faculty meeting that they are to pay close attention to students arriving to class on time. Those teachers who do not properly document and reprimand late students will be marked off in their evaluations. Though these regulations may seem strict, the administration is sensitive to extenuating circumstances.

The new enforcement of the policy has Mrs. Kamara’s complete support. “It’s getting students to be focused and responsible for their obligations as students”, she said. “This is the best thing they could do to keep the students prepared not only for focusing on class, but also for job readiness.”

Senora Smith thinks the policy is just fine. “It makes it difficult for those of us who do enforce the policy when other teachers don’t, because then students try to take advantage of us too.” In addition to this, Senora Smith has made it her own policy to make sure the last students to arrive to her class are the last to leave.