When freshman Jazmine Marin Luna was pulled out of class by a Grade Level Coordinator for unexcused absences, she felt frustrated.

“I’ve been pulled out because I was in class and my teacher marked me absent when I was in class. He’s done that two times already,” Marin Luna said.

As part of new attendance procedures, Grade Level Coordinators (GLCs) began checking in with students who have unexcused absences, according to junior GLC Kiki Christensen said.

“Everyday we pull to see who had an unexcused absence from the day prior and we check in with the individuals to see what the reasons are,” Christensen said.

Sophomore Grace Steffy said the new system mostly benefits students who actually skip classes.

“I think sometimes it can be good if they had a lot of absences, but if it’s just one, like you miss your bus or something and come in late to school and they freak out at you,” Steffy said.

Marin Luna said she believes sometimes the school makes mistakes, so the system isn’t completely accurate.

“(The GLCs) notify our parents for no reason and they actually think that you’re actually skipping class when you’re really not,” Marin Luna said.

According to Christensen, changes had to be made in order to better address unexcused absences.

“We were just sending letters home after you had the third unexcused absence so we said, let’s see if we can touch base with students earlier,” Christensen said.

Senior Siona Kelly said she doesn’t check PowerSchool often, so she appreciates the reminder from her GLC.

“It’s good to know if something comes up and you’re never on PowerSchool,” Kelly said.

Senior Lukas Garcia said he believes the new system can be stressful for students who don’t have attendance problems.

“It’s more directed for kids who actually have a problem with class but for those who don’t, I guess it’s kind of annoying,” Garcia said.

The new system helps the GLCs know where students are at all times, according to GLC Rob Griffin.

“(The new system) just gives everybody a better understanding of where students are,” Griffin said. “We want to make sure they’re not in the hallway, skipping class. So, if you’re at the nurse’s office, counselors or whatever it may be, we want to make sure you’re accountable.”

Keeping students accountable helps the students and the district be successful, according to GLC Greg Whittle said.

“This school and whole district has a tremendous amount of pride and rightfully so; it’s a beautiful school system and district,” Whittle said. “I think it’s just stirring to continuously push the bar of success for the building and all of the students here.”