Last year the final opt out incentive program they had it where if you had three or more tradies then you weren’t able to participate in opting out of your finals but for this year they changed it to three or more tardies and three or more unexcused and excused absences or in school suspensions and out of school suspensions you have to take all of your finals.  

“The change with the in-person attendance component in our Finals Opt-Out incentive program has dramatically improved both our average daily attendance, and our chronic absenteeism rate,” Bell, principal, said. 

Bell started using this incentive program when he first came here and he has been using it for about six or seven years now. 

“The Finals Opt-Out incentive program allows students to option out of taking 4 total finals; 2 core and 2 electives. Students must meet specific expectations in each class, including attendance, promptness, grades and behavior. We have found that incentivising students with this opportunity has paid great dividends regarding whole-student achievement,” Bell said. 

Our school has changed a lot since Frank Bell became our principal of this school. Since 2022 they had the finals opt out going towards tardies but the last two years they changed based on the whole school attendance. 

“I “inherited” this program when I became principal here six years ago. We changed the attendance component due to the pandemic, but then changed it back for this school year. The students like the program, and it gives them something to challenge themselves with. Our teachers tolerate it, because candidly, most of them desire for their students to demonstrate mastery with a final. Looking at the big picture, it’s a win-win trade off for everyone,” Bell said. 

If students follow the rules and don’t break them then they can participate in the finals opt out incentive program and where they can opt out two core and two elective classes but if students do break the rules or either get in trouble or suspended then they will have to suffer the consequences.  

“Well, if you’re asking about the attendance component of the program, it is really having a positive impact. I’m proud of our students for accepting the challenge, knowing that even if they don’t hit all the expectations, it’s academically healthy for them to take a final. But in the event they do, we’re happy to celebrate with them by allowing them to enjoy this earned perk,” Bell said.