When students have lower than a 90% cumulative attendance, it affects their ability to participate in school activities. This school rule has made an impact on some students who have not been able to attend school dances and trips this school year and seniors who may not be able to attend the graduation ceremony.

“I wasn’t able to go on the FBLA trip to Silver Dollar City or Wonders of Wildlife due to my attendance before I improved it,” senior Olivia Strange said.

Principal Danny Morrison explained that the attendance rule prevents students from participating in dances and attending field trips with attendance below 90%. Walking at graduation is based on a cumulative attendance over four years.

According to the school handbook, “The State of Missouri sets a standard that all students will attend school no less than 90% of the time . . . The administration makes the final determination regarding whether an absence is verified or unverified. Excessive absences (below 85% attendance at the progress period), whether excused or unexcused, will result in written notice from the principal to the parents/guardians.”

Students with low attendance also risk not being able to participate in NHS and the A+ program. These two organizations can help students get scholarships for college after high school.

Not many realize that the school receives funding based on student attendance. Without good attendance, WHS would not be able to afford most activities.

“We get funded by the state according to our student’s attendance.  We also receive APR points based on student attendance.  APR is like a school’s report card from the state,” Morrison said.

Many students will agree that attendance drops for almost every student during the second semester.

“Definitely the third quarter when everyone is just over school,” junior Tatum Bohl said. 

“Second semester is the most common time for students to be absent between the weather change and sickness and the motivation towards the end of the school year is very low,” Strange said.

Bohl has been a part of some cool experiences this year, but it has really affected her attendance.

“My attendance is actually worse this year because I’ve had some amazing opportunities outside of school that I had to travel for,” Bohl said.

Excused absences include, “illness of the student, medical appointments (note required), serious illness or death of a family member, school activities, etc.” Unexcused absences include anything outside of the excused guidelines. See 2023-2024 school manual for more.