By: Yolanda Brooks
Some people claim that hallway passes are an effective way to regulate students from skipping class, but many argue that it is impractical and an inhumane concept. Teachers nationwide are trying to crackdown on the number of students roaming the hallways to promote a more structured and focused learning environment, but the reality of this transition ultimately left some students frustrated.
Sophie Weinmeister, a freshman at Hillgrove Highschool had one teacher Fall 2023 semester who implemented the limited hall pass policy. In some ways Sophie agrees that yes, “It limits the amount of time they go to the bathroom because they could be going to hang out with friends not even going to the bathroom.” Though, she also recognizes the fact that “Students sometimes get upset and beg teachers for more uses because they use up all of theirs.” It is hard to determine what is deemed as a probable number of passes to allow students out for the semester and what constitutes as an emergency for students who need to leave the classroom but no longer have any passes left. Dailah Panell, a senior student suggested, “Do what Coach Alverson does give us a time limit to go during class. Like for the whole week we have 15 passes and if you are not back within 3 minutes you cannot use the bathroom ever again.” This suggestion can potentially enhance the effectiveness of limited hall passes as it allows for students to have that freedom to breathe even if that means catching a breather outside but still being forced to come back in a reasonable allotted amount time. Putting a limit can make students feel more inclined to go out as with anything that is limited and restricted, people tend to want to do more. Jake Bzerk a Junior comments, “it is important to stay in class you have to get good grades; you get more work done you get good grades and when you get good grades you are happier.” By giving students more leniency espeically with this hall pass policy, it allows for student to develop time management skills. Involving students in this decision-making process regarding the implementation of this policy can collectively encourage the student body to be more willing to comply and adhere to this policy than what it originally was.
If there is a middle ground to implement the policy but still allow students to be able to not be restricted to the room, it can help foster the needs and wants for both teachers and students.
Some people claim that hallway passes are an effective way to regulate students from skipping class, but many argue that it is impractical and an inhumane concept. Teachers nationwide are trying to crackdown on the number of students roaming the hallways to promote a more structured and focused learning environment, but the reality of this transition ultimately left some students frustrated.
Sophie Weinmeister, a freshman at Hillgrove Highschool had one teacher Fall 2023 semester who implemented the limited hall pass policy. In some ways Sophie agrees that yes, “It limits the amount of time they go to the bathroom because they could be going to hang out with friends not even going to the bathroom.” Though, she also recognizes the fact that “Students sometimes get upset and beg teachers for more uses because they use up all of theirs.” It is hard to determine what is deemed as a probable number of passes to allow students out for the semester and what constitutes as an emergency for students who need to leave the classroom but no longer have any passes left. Dailah Panell, a senior student suggested, “Do what Coach Alverson does give us a time limit to go during class. Like for the whole week we have 15 passes and if you are not back within 3 minutes you cannot use the bathroom ever again.” This suggestion can potentially enhance the effectiveness of limited hall passes as it allows for students to have that freedom to breathe even if that means catching a breather outside but still being forced to come back in a reasonable allotted amount time. Putting a limit can make students feel more inclined to go out as with anything that is limited and restricted, people tend to want to do more. Jake Bzerk a Junior comments, “it is important to stay in class you have to get good grades; you get more work done you get good grades and when you get good grades you are happier.” By giving students more leniency espeically with this hall pass policy, it allows for student to develop time management skills. Involving students in this decision-making process regarding the implementation of this policy can collectively encourage the student body to be more willing to comply and adhere to this policy than what it originally was.
If there is a middle ground to implement the policy but still allow students to be able to not be restricted to the room, it can help foster the needs and wants for both teachers and students.
