With summer break rapidly approaching for students all across America, the students at Carterville High School are without a doubt ready for their long awaited summer. With only two days left for those who do not have to take finals, there are still four days in the week for the others who are not exempt from final exams this semester.
Whether it be due to a students grade in a particular class or their number of absences throughout the school year, there are certain stipulations and exemptions on whether a student must take final exams or not before summer break.
The rules for being exempt from second semester finals are: 6 or fewer unexcused absences, no unexcused absences, no more than three tardies in the specific class, and a grade of a B or higher in the class. Many student can easily keep up with these expectations and therefore get an “early,” summer break; however, the main issue for students having to take finals stems from their absences.
Some students find these expectations and regulations unfair and they feel as though the absences policy is promoting students to come to school sick. Junior Savannah Smith said, “Throughout the school year, I missed a week of school because I was sick, and then I missed several other times that I missed for different reasons and now I have to take all of my finals.”
Even if you meet the expectations required to not have to take full year classes finals, there is still the possibility of having to take finals for semester long classes. The only difference here is that instead of getting to miss 6 days throughout the entire school year, students can only miss three days a semester.
Although many agree with the fact of there being SOME stipulations on whether a student can or cannot be exempt, some believe that there needs to be some lenience on the rules. Freshman Peyton Applehans said, “I understand having to have a B or higher and some sort of cut off on days you can miss, but sometimes you can’t help getting sick or needing surgery and its not fair.”
Whether students have to take finals or not, everyone at Carterville High School is looking forward to their summer break!
