TUPELO - Tupelo High School is actively trying to decrease student tardiness, but will not do it with the forced detentions that were implemented late this week.

Interim Principal Glenda Scott enforced immediate detentions for students who didn't make it to class on time on Thursday and Friday.

They sat in the rubber-floor gymnasium for 40 minutes before reporting to their next class.

Scott said the initiative was in response to requests from teachers to cut down on tardiness and that it was part of the school's Positive Behavior Supports program. That program seeks to encourage good behavior throughout the district.

At the end of school on Friday, Scott announced over the school's intercom that students had done well with the new initiative and that the district will return to its original tardy policy.

Superintendent Randy Shaver also posted a message on the district's Web site saying the school will follow the tardy policy as written in its handbook.

That policy sets penalties for students who exceed a cumulative six tardies per semester.

"I do think it is important for kids to go to school on time," Shaver said. "This would not be a problem if 150 kids hadn't shown up late to school on Thursday morning. The real problem is kids not showing up on time."

Scott was named interim principal at the school at the beginning of this semester, replacing Mac Curlee, who had retired. Scott is a candidate for the long-term position.

"We're trying to raise the level of expectations," Scott said. "This is a great school and a great campus. We want to honor our teachers and show them respect by being on time for class and sitting down and being observant."

Scott said the immediate detentions on Thursday and Friday did not include students who came to class with a doctor's note. Students were allowed to make up work they had missed, and the detention will not count against exam exemptions.

"As the new principal, it is very important to me that I establish school culture," Scott said. "I do have a sense of urgency, and I tend to push quick and want to see results."

Shaver said the board would review the tardy policy in the high school handbook after this school year and could make changes before next year.

Although some students have complained about a stricter dress code at the school, Scott said that the policy has not changed and that she is just enforcing the rules already in place.

She said the primary prohibitions are showing cleavage or underwear, having holes in jeans or wearing something obscene.

Scott also said that students are reciting the Pledge of Allegiance at the beginning of the school day.

"We are doing the Pledge and starting the day with everyone respectful and being on time and properly dressed," Scott said.

Contact Chris Kieffer at (662) 678-1590 or chris.kieffer@djournal.com.