Exempting finals is something that the students of Gibson Southern High School commonly appreciate. In previous years, students were allowed to exempt finals based on two things: their attendance and percentages in certain classes. If students had not missed more than five days and had percentages of at least 84, 87 and 93 or above in most non-dual credit classes, they were allowed to exempt their final and keep the score that they had received for their semester on their transcript.
On August 6, 2025, as Titans were being welcomed back for the 2025-2026 school year, some important information about their attendance policy was announced: students would only be allowed to miss three days of school to be exempt from their finals. Though with this, if students were sick or had a doctor’s appointment and got a note excusing them, that day of attendance would not be counted against them. This is different compared to previous attendance rules.
Students have had mixed feelings about this policy change. On one hand, it does give students some peace of mind if they are missing school for a scheduled doctor’s visit or if they are sick and go to the doctor. But, if they are sick but do not go to the doctor, that day will still count against them.
“I personally don’t think it’s better; I think if you’re sick and you don’t get a note, I think it’s enough if your guardian calls in for you,” junior Erica Narruhn said. “I think that should be fair instead of having to get a doctor’s excuse because not everyone can go to the doctor every time they are sick.”
Though unpopular, the change was not just made at Gibson Southern. This change was implemented by the state of Indiana because chronic absenteeism had become a state-wide issue. So, to encourage students to show up, the restrictions needed to become harsher.
“Fortunately, our attendance rate is very good compared to the state average,” said Gibson Southern High School principal Jon Adams. “That being said, I believe anything that encourages better attendance is a positive for our students.”
For incoming freshmen, this new policy can be intimidating, causing nervousness with them already having to take finals for the first time.
“It does make me feel more restricted because this is my first finals, and I’m already nervous, so now it makes me think twice before not coming to school or whether I stay home or not when I’m not feeling well,” freshman Bridget France said.
From freshmen to seniors, all students this year at Gibson Southern will be learning to adapt to this new style of attendance.
