As schools keep up with new technology, the old fashioned paper hall passes are getting a digital upgrade. Securly Pass is changing how students move around the school. Students and teachers are also learning how to adapt to the new adjustments.
The Securly Pass system is a digital hall pass for schools to keep track of students throughout the building. When a student needs to leave class, they can use the Securly Pass app or go to the Securly Pass website (https://pass.securly.com/login) to ask their teacher. Once approved, they get a digital pass on their phone or Chromebook that shows where they’re going and for how long they have been out of the classroom.
The Securly Pass system, which School Supt. Dr. Anna Cutaia says it costs $7,300 a year, and is a digital hall pass for schools to keep track of students throughout the building. If a student doesn’t come back or goes over the 10-minute mark, that student will be flagged on their device, meaning that a faculty member will start looking for them.
Dean of Students Mr. Justin Zywocinski says, “It’s a learning curve at first, we’ve talked to people that have used it in other districts, and once you get the hang of it, it becomes something that students and teachers feel is easier to use and also an overall method of technology.”
Zywocinski believes that one of the main reasons for using e-hall passes is “student safety.”
“If we need to find somebody or if somebody goes missing we have an idea where to look for them,” he adds.
Math teacher Ms. Gina Georgetti believes the new pass system “is a big adjustment.”
One of the biggest benefits of this new system is that “it’s more streamlined: having different pass systems for different classes can be confusing for everybody so having one policy and procedure will be easier,” Georgetti says.
Students are using this system every day and are beginning to form their own opinions as to whether they like this new system or not.
Sophomore Lharyssa Pinho, states, “It makes me feel like I’m being watched.”
Students also state that some teachers may be struggling with using the system.
Senior Connor Oliveras says, “Sometimes it’s annoying but I like the appointment system.”
“Doing it in your computer other than having to go in and surprising your teacher is better,” he adds. “It lets your teacher know ahead of time if you’re going to be somewhere. I think it’s a good step towards the future of passes.”
E-hall passes seem to be changing the way things work in schools. Some students and teachers find them helpful for keeping track of movements and making sure everyone’s safe. They make it easier for students to get permission to leave class and help teachers know where students are going. However, not everyone might like using them, and some might feel it’s a bit too much tracking. It seems like they have their pros and cons, and maybe over time, schools will find ways to make them even better for everyone.
