MLK Hallway and Tardy Policy

MLK HALLWAY & TARDY EXPECTATIONS

BE IN CLASS. BE ON TIME. BE READY TO LEARN.

The 3 Things to Remember

  • Be in class when the bell rings.
  • Have a valid pass anytime you are in the hallway during class.
  • If something is preventing you from meeting these expectations, tell an adult so we can help.

During Instructional Time

  • All students must have a valid hall pass when outside the classroom during instructional time.
  • Only one student at a time may leave a classroom, except in an emergency.
  • Bathroom Pass: Return within 5 minutes.
  • Water Pass: Return within 3 minutes.
  • Wellness Pass: Up to 10 minutes, once per day.
  • First 10 / Last 10 Rule: No passes during the first 10 or last 10 minutes of class.

Need more time? Communicate with your teacher before leaving whenever possible.

Getting to Class on Time (NEW)

→ All classroom doors will be locked when the tardy bell rings.

What to do if you are tardy:

  1. Find the designated staff member and receive a Tardy Ticket.
  2. Report directly to class.
  3. Knock gently and give your Tardy Ticket to your teacher.
  4. Enter quietly and begin working.
  5. Be ready to serve a detention to make up for missing instructional time.

Being tardy does not permit missing more class. Report directly to class after receiving your Tardy Ticket.

Before School, Lunch & After School

  • Before 9:25 a.m.: Hallways are closed to students.
  • Lunch: Students exit the building at the lunch bell. A pass is required to enter for an approved club, Teen Center, or other supervised activity.
  • After 4:10 p.m.: Hallways are closed except for students attending detention, Beacon, or another approved supervised activity.

 

ACCOUNTABILITY, SUPPORT & PARTNERSHIP

What Happens When You're Tardy?

Our response becomes more intensive when tardiness continues. The goal is to restore lost learning time, build better habits, and identify barriers when additional support is needed.

Occurrence

School Response

1st Tardy

Detention to restore lost instructional time + Tardy-to-Class Reflection.

2nd Tardy

Detention + family contact (phone/text).

3rd Tardy

Loss of eligibility for selected events, rallies, and celebrations.

4th Tardy

Temporary loss of hallway privileges + staff/family escort plan between classes and for passes.

5th Tardy

Family conference + individualized intervention plan to identify and address barriers to arriving on time.

Unauthorized Hallway / Class Walkout

Students who leave class without permission or are in the hallway without a valid pass will be redirected to class and assigned a detention. Repeated incidents will result in additional intervention and family communication.

*Respect All. Demand Excellence. MLK Strong.*

This page was last updated on August 21, 2026