By Kayla Edwards
At Ponte Vedra High School, attendance is a key factor in ensuring student success, both academically and behaviorally. As schools across the nation struggle with post-pandemic attendance challenges, PVHS has been working to address absences and tardies effectively. The Attendance Coordinator Ms. Riccardi and Dean Conklin both gave insight into the current trends, disciplinary actions, and the overall impact of attendance policies.
Recent data from PVHS shows that 94.74% of students are consistently attending school, a promising figure reflecting positive trends. On average, 1,819 students are present each day, with tardies and absences still contributing to overall challenges. Specifically:
• Excused Absences: 3,634
• Unexcused Absences: 6,009
• Tardy Excused: 1,353
• Tardy Unexcused: 3,798
The numbers show a significant decrease in tardies this year, aligning with Ms. Riccardi’s observations. “Tardies have gone down significantly,” she said, noting that averages have dropped from 80-100 per day last year to around 60 currently.
Ms. Riccardi also shared that absences are improving compared to last year, especially during the August to December period. However, certain months continue to pose challenges, such as October and the days leading into school breaks. “The day before or after a break is when we see the most absences,” she explained.
Dean Conklin outlined the leveled system that PVHS uses to manage unexcused absences. After 5 unexcused days, students face interventions such as dean conferences and detentions. On 10 unexcused days, consequences escalate to include Saturday detentions and parking permit suspensions. By 15 unexcused days, students face stricter actions, such as attendance contracts and even the revocation of their driver’s licenses.
“The disciplinary system holds students accountable and gets parents involved early on.”
dean conklin
“Tardies are addressed separately,” Dean Conklin added, “with conferences or detentions issued after every 5 tardies.” The SWIPE system ensures that all late arrivals are documented accurately, holding students accountable.
Attendance plays a significant role in every student’s achievement. Missing even a few days of school can result in gaps in learning, reduced engagement, and a decline in grades. PVHS’s attendance policies aim to not only address chronic absences but also foster better habits. Dean Conklin emphasized, “The disciplinary system holds students accountable and gets parents involved early on.”
With attendance rates showing improvement and tardies decreasing, Ponte Vedra High School’s strategies are making a positive impact. The data reflects strong efforts by administrators, staff, and students alike. However, maintaining this progress will require ongoing communication and accountability from everyone.
Key Attendance Data:
• Percent of Students in School: 94.74%
• Average Students in School Daily: 1,819
• Excused Absences: 3,634
• Unexcused Absences: 6,009
• Tardy Excused: 1,353
• Tardy Unexcused: 3,798
By staying informed and engaged, the Ponte Vedra High School community can continue to improve attendance and ensure that students make the most of their educational experience.
Graphic made by Ryder Navarra
