Situated at the front of the school, and ever-present in the back of every student's mind, is the dark, ominous, Kremlin-like structure known as the attendance office. Every student knows that there are only three reasons for being there: a friendly yet cold visit to clear absences or get information, a teacher sanctioned errand, and, the dreaded one, a disciplinary referral. The first reason for going to the office is perhaps the least involved in procedure: a student comes to the cold, yet courteous staff, states his business, manages to g ....