Being a senior certainly has its perks, and one of those is the ability to exempt certain second semester exams. However, all goods things come at a price.

To exempt exams, seniors may miss no more than five absences per class period in the second semester.

Whether you’re bed ridden with the flu or just need a day off, all absences are classified the same way. Even an excused absence or a doctor’s note won’t save you from using those precious senior day.

“I don’t think five days is fair, especially for an entire semester,” said Joe Smith, 12. “During an 18-week span, you’re going to get sick and that’s out of your control. I feel that giving us four or five days per nine weeks would be a better solution.”

While a majority of the senior class would like the absence criteria to be tweaked more in their favor, they do admit that the class period method is more beneficial to them.

“With the class period method, it sort of gives us the ability to choose which exams we want to take,” said Diana Perez, 12. “Everyone has their strengths and weaknesses in school. Someone may be more comfortable taking their English exam than their math exam, and I think that’s an overlooked advantage we have.”

Students aren’t the only ones who have thoughts on senior days. Teachers are also voicing their opinions.

“It’s very important for students to attend class on a regular basis,” said Ms. Key, who teaches Senior Survival and Child Development. “If a student is constantly missing school, he or she is going to have a difficult time learning and understanding the material taught.”

The ultimate goal for implementing senior days is to give senior students the opportunity to be exempt from taking their final exams. Make sure you use your senior days wisely, otherwise May 16th won’t be your last day.