As a concerned student at Evanston Township High School in Evanston, IL, USA, I am writing this petition to address the unjust policy of rolling over tardies from previous school years at our high school. This policy has had a profound negative impact on students like myself who have struggled with mental health issues such as depression and anxiety.

Personal Story:
I have personally experienced the detrimental effects of this policy. Diagnosed with depression and anxiety during my high school years, attending school became an uphill battle for me. Every day was a struggle to get out of bed and face the challenges that awaited me in the classroom. Despite my best efforts, I often found myself arriving late to school or struggling to make it to my classes on time.

Now in my senior year, I realize that this policy is robbing me of the full high school experience. It is disheartening and overwhelming to know that I am not allowed to participate in important events like prom simply because I haven't been able to clear all the accumulated tardies since freshman year. This punishment feels unfair and discouraging for students who are already dealing with personal hardships.

Reasons for Change:
1) Mental Health Impact: Numerous studies have shown that mental health issues among teenagers are on the rise. The American Psychological Association reports that nearly one-third of adolescents experience symptoms of an anxiety disorder by age 18.
(Source: American Psychological Association)

2) Attendance Improvement Programs: Research has demonstrated that punitive measures like tardiness rollover policies do not effectively improve attendance rates or punctuality among students.
(Source: National Education Policy Center)

3) Fresh Start Approach: Many schools across the country recognize the importance of providing students with a fresh start each academic year by resetting attendance records. By implementing similar policies at our high school, we can create an environment where students feel motivated and supported rather than burdened by past tardiness.

Proposed Solution:
We, the undersigned, urge the administration of our high school in Evanston, IL to reconsider the policy of rolling over tardiness from previous school years. Instead, we request the implementation of a fresh start approach where students' tardies are reset at the beginning of each academic year. This change will not only alleviate unnecessary stress and anxiety for students but also promote a healthier and more inclusive learning environment.

By signing this petition, we hope to bring attention to this issue and encourage our school administrators to prioritize student well-being and fairness in their policies. Let us work together towards creating an educational system that supports all students, regardless of their past struggles or challenges.

Thank you for your support in making this positive change for our high school community!