During this school year, Shadow Ridge High School implemented a new system for students re-entering campus after school. Students who wish to return for clubs, sports, reassessing, or getting help from a teacher are required to obtain a physical pass from the teacher, advisor, or coach beforehand. Students must have their physical ID, scan back in, and have their pass ready to be checked by campus monitors before entering. This system is able to account for every student on campus and keep track of where they are at all times in case of an emergency. It was introduced due to some students returning to campus but not going to the locations they were supposed to, which could have created safety issues during emergencies.
Every day, many students visit teachers after school for extra help, to work on assignments, or to participate in clubs. With the new re-entry system in place, teachers now know exactly which students plan to come and when. The system has also had a positive impact on campus safety. Rebecca Cleveland, is a science teacher and the Game Club advisor and has many students come to her every day after school.
“I personally like the new past system because then I know who’s actually coming to see me and who’s not coming to see me after school,” Cleveland states. “I also think it does make things a little safer.”
The system not only tracks students’ locations, but it also holds students and teachers accountable. Teachers can ensure that students are receiving the support they need, while students are responsible for requesting help and showing up.
“I think it’s teaching accountability on all parts, accountability on the teachers, to ensure that the students are getting what they need and the students to come and ask for the support that they need too, and then showing up as well,” Cleveland states.
Although the new pass system improves safety and accountability, some students find it inconvenient. The additional steps required to re-enter campus can be frustrating and sometimes cause delays, especially when students have to wait in long lines to re-enter.
“I think that it’s a bit of a hassle just trying to get into the school,” Perla Amador, freshman states. “I feel like it takes up a lot of time and isn’t truly necessary, especially with having to wait in the heat a lot of times, or the cold. The new policy has also made slight delays in me getting to my after-school activities on time.”
Overall, the new after-school re-entry pass system has its benefits and challenges among students and teachers. While it improves campus safety, accountability, and ensures students get to their after-school activities, it can create inconveniences and delays that affect students. As Shadow Ridge continues to adjust to this new change, the system helps maintain safety while students and staff try to adapt to this new routine, even if it requires a few extra steps.
