BARRINGTON, R.I. (AP) — A Rhode Island high school is cracking down on tardiness by locking its doors promptly at the start of the school day.
The move at Barrington High has angered parents who complain their children have been forced to get buzzed in at the main entrance, a process that has led to long lines and even later arrivals to class.
But Supt. Michael Messore says the decision to lock all side doors at 7:40 a.m. comes after numerous appeals for punctuality. He says its important students be on time so learning isn’t disrupted.
Parents say students have long had an unwritten, 10-minute grace period to get to class after the starting bell. School officials Friday say the policy appears to be working: they saw far fewer stragglers by Friday.