December 9, 2024

Dear RFH Parent(s)/Guardian(s):

I hope this message finds you well and you are enjoying the start of the Holiday season.  I am writing to address an important matter that impacts our school’s learning environment: punctuality.

Arriving at school on time sets the tone for the day and is a key part of fostering responsibility and respect for others’ time. Unfortunately, we have observed an increase in student tardiness from the start of this year. While many of these tardies are just 1-3 minutes after the bell rings, the disruption they cause to classroom instruction and the students’ own learning is significant.

To reinforce the importance of punctuality, our school policy includes clear consequences for repeated tardiness with a detention after four tardies and a Saturday detention after nine tardies.   We permit four tardies to school each semester without a consequence since we know unexpected things arise.  We do not count scheduled, verified doctor’s appointments towards discipline. However the note must be submitted to the attendance office the day of the appointment. 

These measures are not meant to be punitive but rather to emphasize the importance of timeliness and accountability.  Punctuality in school will set the pattern for punctuality in college and in a student’s work life.  This will set up your student for success. 

We ask for your support in ensuring your student arrives at school on time each day. Simple adjustments to your student’s morning routine, such as setting alarms a few minutes earlier, can make a big difference.  Traffic congestion on Ridge Road has been a consistent issue between 7:30 and 7:45 for at least the past twenty-five years. However, RFH opens at 7:00 each morning, and there is no traffic congestion before 7:30. A simple 15 minute adjustment to the student’s schedule can ensure a smooth drop off and an on time arrival.    

We appreciate your partnership in creating a focused and respectful learning environment for all students. If you have any questions or concerns or need assistance in supporting your student’s punctuality, please do not hesitate to reach out to us.

Sincerely,

Stephen Sarles
RFH Principal