Last updated: 1/28/2001, 9:35 p.m. EST

At about 8:00 p.m. on Sunday, Jan. 28, I received a message on my voice mail from Mr. Heischman, Head of the Upper School, saying that seniors will be allowed to cut class without point penalty on Monday, Jan. 29. I am interpreting his ruling to mean that this will be like any other cut; i.e., students will still be responsible for any homework due that day, and tests already scheduled for later in the week will be unaffected. I will be holding classes on Jan. 29. Here is my plan:

A period HappyCal: Chapter 8 review. Seniors who choose to skip the review day are reminded that the test on Chapter 8 will be held Tuesday, Jan. 30, as scheduled. Attendance by juniors is required as usual.

C period Geometry: Normal class day.

D period STAtistics: This is your opportunity for extra help. Those who need extra help (and you know who you are) should plan on coming for at least part of the period. Remember that we have a test Wednesday, Jan. 31. Juniors should check in for roll call at 10:50 as usual. Also, the group release form due today must be submitted before I leave at 4:00 Monday afternoon. (Email submissions are encouraged.)

F period STAtistics: Group #7 (McCullough, Green, Waikart, Wilkins) will be meeting at 12:35 in Room R. All NCS students should report for roll call at 12:35 and extra help if desired. Others who need extra help (and you know who you are) should plan on coming for at least part of the period. Remember that we have a test Wednesday, Jan. 31. Also, the group release form due today must be submitted before I leave at 4:00 Monday afternoon. (Email submissions are encouraged.)

Earlier (now outdated) bulletin: 1/28/2001, 6:42 p.m. EST

Rumors of a 'Senior Skip Day' have been circulating. I am attempting to verify whether the rumors are correct but have been unable to reach Mr. Heischman. The latest word the faculty received from him (Friday afternoon, 1/26/2001, 3:00 p.m.) was that no senior skip day was authorized. If there has been a change from that position, I do not yet have any reliable information. If you are listening to rumors, make sure the source is trustworthy and can be independently double-checked.

In the meantime, here is my policy on senior skip day for HappyCal and STAtistics: If you wish to skip, you will accept a 1-point penalty for each minute of unexcused absence (50 minutes altogether). Of course, with your 10 bonus points for the semester, that really has the impact of only a 40-point penalty, which some of you may be in a position to incur without adverse impact on your third quarter average. (Normally, there are between 300 and 600 points available per quarter.) The choice is yours.