Students “slammed” over breakfast

Many people watch the Super Bowl each year for the innovative and entertaining commercials. 2010 was no exception. During the February 7, 2010 event, Denny’s restaurant advertised free “Grand Slam” breakfasts for everyone who showed up on Tuesday, February 9 between 6 a.m. and 2 p.m.

Lines at most Denny’s across the nation started forming in the wee hours. A line in West Warwick, Rhode Island, included students from nearby West Warwick High School. Some knew of the event from last year when Denny’s did the same thing following the Super Bowl. This year, 46 students showed up, missing their first periods at school.

Denny's Grand Slam

The Assistant Principal also appeared, telling the students to get to school. Those that did immediately received a tardy notation in their file. Others who stayed for their breakfasts and didn’t return, received a two-day suspension. The principal explained that her concern stemmed from a car crash that happened last year involving a student hurrying back to school from the freebie.

Is a free breakfast worth a suspension, especially when it’s on your record? How would a college recruiter or future employer regard this if he or she became aware of it? It sounds like a minor incident, but suspensions on your record add up and can affect your grades and promotion status.

For more about truancy and suspensions, see:  http://askthejudge.info/does-suspending-a-student-for-truancy-make-sense/2451/