High schools across the country are constantly adapting to new norms and expectations; the latest update at LHS is the introduction of a new identification card (ID) system for all students. During the first week of school, LHS students were mandated to grab their personal ID, containing their school portrait along with the student ID number. While this has been a routine housekeeping procedure for years, this school year’s IDs have a caveat–they must be worn at all times when entering and while inside the building. This new rule is helpful and necessary, as it allows the security guards outside to recognize students before they enter the building; it is a vital safety measure that students must learn to accept in the changing environment of safety and security.
An open-campus high school has seemingly endless benefits: leaving the building during lunch and off-periods to go home, going out for lunch, or studying at the local library. With these liberties, comes some natural limitations for the sake of safety, hence the implementation of the new ID policy. “We are creating a new culture here at LHS…students are now required to wear their IDs when entering and re-entering the building, and inside the building,” explained Principal Matthew Sarosy. This change reflects the heightened emphasis on security and aims to maintain a safer environment for all parties in the building.
In addition to enhanced security, the emphasis on ID wearing can also create a more inclusive and welcoming atmosphere within the school. Consistently wearing IDs helps students and faculty members put a face to a name. When students feel recognized and valued, they are more likely to actively engage in their education and positively contribute to their school community. Fostering a culture in which students and staff are familiar with each other can lead to a more positive and collaborative learning environment. Social studies teacher David Rabinowitz feels that “this new stringent policy will make our building safer.” Rabinowitz added, “Students should be wearing them at all times so that staff recognizes who should be in the building.” The positive feedback regarding the IDs signifies the overall support for the new policy.
With any transition, challenges arise; however, there seems to be little pushback on the new policy. When asked about the impact of the policy on students, sophomore Connor Buxton said, “We will adjust quickly. It’s just going to become the new normal, like how masks were for during COVID, except now this is something permanent.”
The new and stricter policy on IDs reflects the growing emphasis on security. While the policy may take some getting used to, it ultimately aims to generate a safer and more welcoming atmosphere for everyone in the building. As with any new change, there is a period of adjustment. In time, the ID system will hopefully be fully and successfully integrated, ensuring safety and well-being in the community.
