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Masconomet committee adopts stricter handbook: 7:35 start enforcement, five tardies equal an absence
Summary
The Masconomet School Committee unanimously approved FY27 student-handbook revisions that tighten tardy rules, reintroduce social probation for repeated disciplinary issues and clarify cell-phone and bullying policies; administrators said exceptions and supports will be handled case-by-case.
The Masconomet Regional School Committee voted unanimously to adopt FY27 revisions to the student handbook that tighten attendance and discipline rules, including a stricter start-time enforcement and a reintroduced social-probation policy.
The committee approved the package after a lengthy discussion of how the changes will be administered. The handbook changes include a 7:35 a.m. expectation for arriving at school, a provision that five unexcused tardies will count as one absence, and same-day ineligibility for extracurriculars when a student is tardy to school. The revisions also reinstate "social probation," a behavior-modification tool that restricts extracurricular participation for students with repeated suspensions or chronic infractions under a time-limited contract.
"Your job is to come to school," the presenting administrator said while outlining the attendance rules, underscoring that the proposal is intended as accountability paired with outreach and supports. Administrators said assistant principals will coordinate exceptions and interventions, and that five absences or tardies will trigger parent contact and team-based follow-up rather than immediate punitive measures.
The revisions reflect guidance from a recent DESE coordinated program review: the handbook updates add explicit bullying language (including cyberbullying and protected characteristics) and provide a link and instructions for parents who wish to contact DESE's resolution system.
Some committee members urged caution on the strict 7:35 enforcement. "I am supportive of everything besides the tardy piece," said Committee member Heather, who warned that rigid timing could disadvantage families with transportation challenges and urged that exceptions remain meaningful and consistently applied. Administrators said exceptions for documented medical needs, bus delays and other verified circumstances will be made and that teams will act quickly to formalize accommodations.
The motion to adopt the FY27 handbook revisions passed on a roll-call vote: Megan (yes), Jason (yes), Lisa (yes), Alice (yes), Stacy (yes), Bill (yes), Matt (yes), Trevor (yes) and the chair (yes).
Next steps: the handbook will be published with the revisions and administrators said they will implement outreach and training for staff and coaches ahead of the fall semester to ensure consistent application of the new rules.
