An updated off-campus policy: what students need to know

Devin Boulanger, Associate Director of Digital Content
Featured Image by Devin Boulanger

Over this past summer, the high school implemented a new guardhouse at the main entrance. While this may seem like a major shift, the school’s off-campus policy has only been updated to match previous years. 

For students to leave campus, they must exit through the main entrance and show their student ID to the campus monitor. Students are also required to have a specific sticker on their ID, which can be picked up at the attendance office after a parent or guardian fills out the off-campus permission form on PowerSchool. “It’s flexible for students. Students can show their ID’s versus having to stop and scan them, and this helps prevent what would feel like a backup,” Principal William Egan said.

Additionally, the Waveny Park entrance will remain closed during school hours. “The only thing we are trying to do is route people out one way during the day, which seems safer anyway,” Mr. Egan said. 

In the past, the off-campus policy was similar, though relaxed over the years. “Eventually, things broke down a little bit as things tend to happen sometimes,” Mr. Egan said. “But when we did have the policy, the gate was closed during the day. In addition to that, students had to scan out using the back of their ID cards.”

Following feedback from parents, the administration realized they needed to update the system to ensure student safety. “We had rolled with the policy the way that it was, but the issue was that we didn’t really have a way to know who was coming and going from campus. That wasn’t great,” Mr. Egan said. 

So far, the off-campus policy has run smoothly. “That’s my impression as I talk to people, that it hasn’t been something that has hindered them at all.” Mr. Egan said.

Students also echoed that sentiment. “I don’t mind the off-campus policy and to me it’s easy to follow,” junior Eva La Magna said. “Not everyone necessarily loves it but it’s definitely important to have.” 

Mr. Egan was initially worried that students would push back against the dual news of Yondr pouches and an updated off-campus policy, however, according to him, students have responded well. “I think people were reacting to the change in the cell phone policy, and then looking at the guard house and saying, ‘Oh my gosh, all of this is changing,’” Mr. Egan said. “Honestly though, I think our students are great. The truth is, they’ve navigated the changes with grace, dignity and class. So I couldn’t be happier with all of them.”