Biloxi High School Principal Pamela Manners, responding to talk that seniors have designated Friday as “skip day,” this evening is using a new school communications device to notify parents that students with unauthorized absences will be unable to make up tests or turn in late work from that day.

In a taped phone message being delivered to parents of Biloxi High’s 314 seniors, Manners says:

“It has come to our attention that Biloxi High School seniors have designated tomorrow, April 4, as a ‘senior skip day.’ Please be reminded that Biloxi Public Schools does not recognize or condone skip days.’

“Parents of students who are absent during a skip will be contacted, and skip day absences will be in violation of School Board policy.

“Furthermore, as this is a day before the Spring break begins, any absences that are not due to serious illness or other legal, documented reasons will be considered unexcused, and work missed will not be allowed to be made up.

“Please assist us in supporting our belief that the instructional program is the most vital part of formal education, with regular attendance being the key to quality work. Thank you very much.”

The phone message, which will begin circulating at 6:30 this evening, is being transmitted through ConnectEd, a new service that the Biloxi Public School Distrct is using to keep parents informed of timely school information. The service can also employ text-messaging or e-mail to deliver messages.