This semester marks the launch of a new Physical Education attendance policy. Students and parents were not informed by administration that any such change was being considered, nor were they aware of the need for a change.

According to the new policy, students missing a P.E. class will receive a temporary zero in the gradebook. All excused absences must be made-up within two weeks. Unexcused absences cannot be made up and will receive a permanent zero.

To make-up a class, students must go to the weight room or the cardio room after school (between 2:15 and 3:45 pm) and exercise for 30 minutes following instructions outlined on the make-up form.

Students can make up to two absences in a single one hour workout. In order to get credit for the class, and thus to remove the temporary zero, the teacher supervising the room must sign off on the make-up form.

This information can be found on the Hall website, although finding it is not easy. The policy is not listed in the Hall Student Handbook, nor is there evidence of any discussion reflected in the WHPS School Board minutes.

If the response of students in one P.E. class is any indication of the general feeling, this policy is not highly favored by Hall students. One Junior class spent an entire period expressing concerns and asking for explanations. QUOTES

The exact reason behind this change is unclear. One teacher, Mr. Michael DiDomenico,  explained to a class that the change is to ensure that students are being physically active everyday. As of the publication of this article, neither district-wide Physical and Health Education Department Supervisor Lisa Daly, nor DiDomenico responded to inquiries for further information about the rationale and motivation behind the policy.