Image courtesy of Natalie Ramos

Segerstrom High School student Joshua Vu (12), captured creating a hall pass.

The future of public education is becoming increasingly digital by the minute. Our society is constantly changing and evolving. On January 16, Segerstrom High School set out a new requirement for digital hallpasses.

Segerstrom’s rationale behind this requirement is due to the constant pattern of a handful of students abusing the hall pass and restroom system, which wastes valuable time for both the teacher and the students. This has led our administration to handle the burden of disciplining those caught. Our staff and District Safety Officers agreed on using Minga, a campus management platform. They hope that Minga helps keep track of students’ safety outside of the classroom and for students to return to class within a reasonable amount of time.

1. To access Minga, students can either download the app on their phones or go to the Minga website.
2. From there, the student will navigate Student Tools and click “Create a Hall Pass.” 
3. Once selected, the student will choose the type of break they are taking and who it was approved by. Immediately after creating the pass, it sets a timer until they have to return to class, which is usually defaulted to 7-8 minutes.

After its implementation, the students’ reception came with mixed emotions. Many students accepted the change, as it relatively affects those who frequently use the restroom. An anonymous student states, “It isn’t really an issue, I don’t use the bathroom often so it doesn’t necessarily affect me, but I can see how it may affect those in need.” To students like this, the change may be seen as a minor inconvenience, but to some, they find it a source of contention.

There have been many students who needed clarification with the change. The system used to be based on the teacher’s decision, or the honors system. There have been some students who raised concerns about challenges that may arise in the system.

“I believe this is a bad idea because most of the time certain building’s bathrooms are closed, leading you to have to walk towards a whole other building,” another anonymous student added. “[That alone] wastes the time limit that you are given.”

It is important to keep in mind that this is the start of using Minga and the system isn’t perfect. It will have its strengths and flaws. Even though this is a test run, it brings about yet another modern update to Segerstrom.