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School Committee approves revised high school program of studies; principals report declines in absences and tardies after new attendance and phone rules
Summary
The committee approved updates to Sharon High School’s program of studies and heard administration and teacher reports that a new attendance policy and phone policy have reduced absences and tardies. The committee approved the program by roll call; administrators cited a 17% drop in absences and a 35% drop in tardies over the first four months of
The Sharon School Committee approved revisions to Sharon High School’s program of studies at its Jan. 8 meeting and heard administration and teacher testimony that recent attendance and cell phone policies have improved classroom continuity.
Kristen Keenan, identified in the meeting as the high school principal, presented the program changes and said they were intended primarily to increase clarity and access. The school removed several “foundation” course listings from the published program of studies so those classes remain available only when required by a student’s IEP or team decision, Keenan said. The change is intended to reduce confusion for families during scheduling; those foundation courses will continue to be offered when appropriate.
Keenan also said the guidance team and curriculum coordinators aligned certain prerequisites with College Board AP recommendations, clarified course‑qualification language (students who meet listed grade thresholds are admitted automatically and teacher recommendations are now defined separately), and adjusted elective offerings across departments. Examples: the English department replaced some low‑enrollment senior semester electives with year‑long senior offerings; math will eliminate a standalone standard Algebra I next year as middle‑school curriculum changes create different placement; the social studies and world language sections include small description updates and additions such as a yearbook class and a new US foreign policy course.
The committee approved the program of studies by roll call. The motion passed with all members voting yes.
Attendance and cell‑phone policies: Keenan reported that from September through December the high school has seen a 17 percent decrease in overall absences and a 35 percent decrease in tardies after the updated attendance policy took effect. She offered teacher testimonials describing improved lesson continuity, fewer makeup assessments and stronger classroom engagement. Teacher comments included: “The change in student attendance has been incredible,” and “When students are in school, collaborative projects have fewer false starts.”
Keenan and members acknowledged some public concerns about whether the attendance policy could encourage students to attend school while ill; Keenan said school nurses and staff continue to monitor health and no increase in nurse visits was reported in her review. Committee members asked for continued monitoring of chronic absenteeism outcomes and asked that the administration report full‑year data at a later date.
On cell phones, Keenan said teachers reported easier implementation and improved student concentration. “No pushback from students,” one teacher wrote in a note Keenan read to the committee.
Votes at a glance: The program of studies motion passed on roll call with all voting in favor.
What’s next: The administration will finalize scheduling decisions once student course requests are submitted and said budget constraints could affect low‑enrollment sections. Committee members asked for a future briefing on scheduling mechanics and on the attendance policy’s effect on chronic absenteeism at year end.
Sources: Presentation and roll call recorded at the Sharon School Committee meeting, Jan. 8, 2025.
