Hot Take: Webb’s attendance policy is too lenient
Webb students might feel the pressure of a rigorous curriculum, but Josh Fenner (‘27) argues that when it comes to actually showing up, the school is surprisingly lenient, perhaps to a fault.
“Compared to public schools, Webb’s attendance policy isn’t actually that strict,” Josh said. “In other schools, being late three times can be considered truancy, which can even land people in legal court. At Webb, students are frequently five minutes late like it’s no big deal.”
He notes that this stems from a specific culture on campus where tardiness isn’t viewed with much gravity. After speaking with faculty, including Mr. Galarsa, student accountability coordinator, Josh found that the contrast between Webb and the “real world” of public education is stark.
“There’s this culture around here that being late isn’t serious,” he said. “I’ve only had one UT [Unexcused Tardy] in my entire career, and that was freshman year when I didn’t have the schedule. It’s not super hard to just take five minutes out of your day to get moving.”
For those who struggle to hear the bell, Josh believes the solution is simple: better time management and a shift in mindset.
“It’s all about scheduling,” he said. “Whatever you’re doing before class that’s taking up all your time, just stop five minutes earlier and start walking over, thats what I do. Just take that time and show up.”
By tightening up their own personal schedules, pushing themselves to wake up in the morning, Josh believes Webbies can respect the classroom environment more and move away from a culture of constant lateness.
Hot Take: Webb lacks classic high school traditions
Webb might be academically strong and rich in its own traditions, but Samantha Crawford (‘26) argues that it lacks many of the classic aspects of a traditional high school experience.
“Webb doesn’t have Friday night lights, cheerleaders, prom king and queen, or a homecoming court,” Samantha said. “These are things that build school spirit, and compared to other schools, we really lack that energy.”
She notes that these traditions serve a dual purpose: they are enjoyable, and they drive student engagement.
“Having events like these makes students want to show up and be part of the community,” she said. “It gives the school a real teenage high school vibe.”
Without these traditions, students miss out on opportunities to bond and celebrate outside the classroom. “Academics are important, but school spirit matters too,” Samantha said. “Events like these create memories and make people feel like they belong to something bigger than themselves.”
For Samantha, bringing back classic high school traditions could make Webb feel less like just a school and more like a full community.
Hot Take: The dress code is outdated
While dress codes are often meant to promote professionalism, Anthony Flucker, fine arts department faculty and humanities department faculty, argues that banning athletic wear actually works against both comfort and practicality, especially for student-athletes.
“Comfort and learning go together,” Flucker said. “When you’re the most comfortable, you’re going to learn the best.”
He points out that for student-athletes, athletic wear isn’t just about style. It is about functionality and identity. Restricting it can feel like forcing them to separate two major parts of who they are.
“Athletes are balancing school and sports all day,” he explained. “Athletic clothes give them the freedom to move, feel comfortable, and stay in their space. They’re student-athletes, so why can’t they dress like one?”
Flucker also questions whether traditional dress codes reflect today’s world. He argues that expectations around professionalism have evolved.
“A lot of modern workplaces allow for more casual dress,” he said. “The idea that sweatpants or athletic wear aren’t acceptable is kind of outdated, especially if they’re clean, fitted, and look professional.”
He believes this flexibility should extend to faculty as well, particularly in a place like California where business casual is already common.
“Faculty should be able to wear athletic-style clothing too, as long as it still looks put-together,” he said. “No one’s talking about sloppy. It can still be sleek and professional.”
For those who argue strict dress codes prepare students for the “real world,” Flucker offers a different perspective. Schools already create clear distinctions between everyday wear and formal expectations.
“That’s what formal events are for,” he said. “Community dinners and special occasions teach students when it’s time to dress up. It actually makes those moments feel more meaningful.”
By rethinking dress code policies, Flucker believes schools can better support comfort, individuality, and a more modern definition of professionalism without lowering standards.
