Hills West and Student IDs

With the compulsory rise in student IDs came a multitude of adverse opinions. Some students expressed their frustration of the school-mandated identification, while others have stated their approval for this system in hopes to establish a safer environment for everyone in the Half Hollow Hills school district. Sophomore, Sofia Hererra, says that the ID cards serve no valid purpose and she proposes an alternative solution: to keep the IDs in backpacks and present them to authority figures when asked. Many students share this opinion, believing the identification cards to be pointless and an easy way to get detention. On the other hand, the student handbook expressly states that “All students are required to display their I.D. while on school grounds. ID cards must be on each student’s person and be visible at all time,” and that, “Students are subject to school discipline if they are not properly displaying their IDs.”

A portion of the student body, however, believes that integrating IDs may be beneficial if they served a myriad of other purposes such as a way to monitor who enters and leaves the school building in an efficient way, or even for something as simple as buying lunch in the school cafeteria. Originally, the idea for the application of student IDs this year was to have members of the school scan them at the front entrance. The plan, mentioned at the School Site Based Committee, has been postponed for the time being.

The opposing side of the argument, those who believe the school IDs to be successful, reason that it can be an effective way of identifying unwanted visitors. Especially in light of past events, such as the Parkland shooting, administration and students believe that taking the necessary measures and staying vigilant can lead to progress in school safety. Mrs. Nikosey, a guidance counselor at Hills West, states, “I think these new ID cards and visitor registrations – the sign in system – are both steps in the right direction. It is unfortunate that we have to take these precautions, but it is necessary in ensuring the safety of our schools.” On a side note, Mrs. Nikosey also believes that as a visual learner these cards help her identify students and remember who they are.

No matter the stance on student identity cards, Hills West stands together on one thing: hoping for a safer, more protected district to learn and grow in.