Ralston High School revises tardy policy and bell schedule for senior courses

The Ralston Public Schools Board of Education convened on June 23, 2025, to discuss several key updates and changes to school policies and procedures. The meeting focused on refining existing guidelines to enhance clarity and improve student engagement.

One significant topic was the revision of tardy procedures. The board decided to remove the requirement for teachers to contact parents after five tardies or absences, citing redundancy in communication protocols. Additionally, the term "board administrator" was added for clarity in the procedures.

The bell schedule underwent a notable change, reverting to a traditional format after a year of experimentation with an early dismissal on Fridays. The previous schedule, which included a "win time" for certain departments, was deemed unsuccessful. Feedback from staff indicated that the new arrangement had more drawbacks than benefits, prompting the board to return to the original order of classes.

Another major adjustment involved the terminology shift from "open campus" to "off campus." This change aims to address issues with students remaining on campus during free periods, particularly in the media center, where overcrowding had become a concern. The new policy stipulates that students with an off period must leave campus unless they have specific arrangements, such as utilizing the college career center.

The board also discussed the need to encourage seniors to take a more rigorous course load. Many seniors had been opting for minimal classes, treating their final year as a gap year. To combat this trend, the board proposed a requirement for seniors to enroll in at least three out of four classes daily, aligning with practices in neighboring districts.

Additional updates included clarifications to the dress code, revisions to electronic device policies, and changes to food and beverage regulations in classrooms. The board also addressed medication administration policies and the handling of head lice cases, ensuring consistency across all school handbooks.

The meeting concluded with a commitment to implement these changes effectively, aiming to foster a more structured and engaging educational environment for all students. The board plans to continue monitoring the impact of these policies and make further adjustments as necessary.