START on time, better known as “sweeps,” has students rushing to get to class on time. The new initiative has been effective, however, a majority of the student population are against it.

Most students dislike the hall sweeps because it not only makes them more late, but it also makes them feel embarrassed and like they did something wrong.

“I hate it. Getting walked back to class is so embarrassing. It doesn’t even make a difference,” freshman Sarah Bakhtiar said.

Teachers are in favor of the new initiative because it causes less disruption. They also do not have to confront their students in the middle of talking to the class

“I personally like the sweep stations because when the student come in late they’ve already had a discussion with someone about their attendance,” history teacher Catharine Bishop said, “This makes it so teachers do not have to disrupt the class to talk to the student.”

Staff on station duty are instructed to interact positively with students that they might not know or teach and to assist students to get to class, not to provide discipline.

Teachers at the sweep stations have noticed less tardies.

“The administration at AHS went to West Potomac and Falls Church and we noticed that their policies were working. We started this to mainly help teachers,” assistant principal Brian Valentine said, “We are getting more consistent and accurate attendance. We hope this maximizes instructional time.”

Justice HS has a similar program but instead of having students escorted the students walk themselves to an admin and fill out a tardy slip.

Then the administrators check excused or unexcused. This teaches the students responsibility, although it does leave more opportunities to skip class.

“In my opinion, it’s a hassle if you have a good reason for being late because most teachers and admin won’t believe you. However, it is a successful way to get students to class on time,” freshman Alina Ngo said.