Following the example of local middle schools, OHS is planning to implement a new digital hallway pass policy. Students have mixed opinions about this change. While some think it’s reasonable, others call it invasive and unfair.
The digital bathroom pass system will replace traditional sign-out sheets with a computer kiosk in each classroom. The kiosks will store and organize student data in a central database, which will allow administrators to track frequent bathroom use, identify patterns and address concerns, including restricted access if necessary.
Students skipping class—or going to school but not being in class—isn’t a new problem. Robert Bach, previous Dean of Students, explained: “It is common to have a single student miss 10-15 minutes of every class every day. But other than individual anecdotes presented by teachers, there is no collective way to communicate or share data regarding who is in the bathroom or understand how often it’s happening.”
Technology now provides the opportunity for a solution to this age-old issue. The new system aims to track students who frequently miss class for long periods of time, understand the reasons behind their absences and find solutions to get them in the classroom more.
Senior Sydney Peters doesn’t think the new system will significantly impact her learning, as she tries to avoid using the school bathrooms during class. However, she believes it could “significantly disrupt students who typically can grab a pass and go for whatever reason, whether IEP or 504 accommodations or other factors that may not be accounted for.”
Peters continued, “While I understand the reasoning behind the new system, as there is a huge problem with bathroom pass misuse, I believe there could be many pitfalls and loopholes if the faculty doesn’t fully vet this system. The question of IEPs or 504s, health concerns, and overall effectiveness is at the forefront of this discussion, at least for students.”
Bach believes administrators will respect and accommodate students with legitimate needs for extended classroom absences. He elaborated, “I’m confident that we honor disabilities, needs, or other instances that would create a pragmatic reason for somebody to leave the classroom on a regular basis for extended periods of time. I don’t think they’re going to come under any type of special judgment that will be embarrassing.”
The digital hall passes are expected to be implemented early into the new semester. Only time will tell the efficiency and effectiveness of this new system.