by Jess Donohoe
At the start of the year, OHS instituted a new ID system that requires each student to scan in and out of the building. The student body had some questions and concerns about the new system, so I sat down with OHS Associate Principal Mr. Mekeel to discuss some of the student body’s most pressing questions.
Q: What made OHS switch to the new ID system?
A: The new IDs were a safety measure. The new system that is currently being used allows the school to see everyone that is coming in and out of the building. If something were to happen in our school, the administration would be able to see how many people are in the school, who is not in the building, and what time they left.
Q: What happens if a student leaves the building while they have class and not during an off period?
A: This is still in the process of being changed to find the most efficient way (to deal with situations like this). Right now, the school can see everyone’s schedule and when they scan in and out of the building. We are trying to come up with a different way that this will work to make it easier for the security guards that are in charge of the scanners.
Q: What are some problems that the school has encountered with the new system?
A: Some people’s IDs don’t scan. If someone misplaces their ID and gets a new one from the library, their old ID gets turned off. If they try to come in with the old ID at any point, it will no longer scan. In addition to this, the scanners themselves have random issues. If the WiFi in the school goes down, no one is able to scan in or out because the site that is used to scan the IDs requires WiFi.
Q: Have detentions increased since the new system?
A: Detentions that are the result of having no ID have increased a lot, but, as a whole, the school thanks everyone for cooperating with the new rules.
Q: Will students eventually have to scan into each classroom instead of the teachers taking attendance?
A: Somewhere far down the road students will maybe scan into each classroom. As of right now, the school is trying to get all the systems that are currently in place down before moving on to new ideas. The next project is trying to get students to scan into each bathroom using the new IDs.
Q: Will there be any further consequences for forgetting your id more than once?
A: There will be further consequences, but that is an issue tht each student will have to visut the deans for. Most students have been wearing their IDs, so the deans are grateful that there have been few repeat offenders.
Q: What would you say to students who are scared of being tracked in the building?
A: The only type of tracking the ID’s are capable of is when you come in and out of the school. They can not see where you are in the school or what you are doing. It is meant to keep everyone as safe as possible.
The Sider Press would like to thank Mr. Mekeel for his time. Although the new system may take some time getting used to, its long-term impact will keep the school safe and meet the needs of both the school and the students.