CCMS is using technology to help reduce the number of students in hallways during class time.
A new program called SmartPass was implemented this year.
“It gives the kids some autonomy, but we do set parameters,” CCMS Principal Dr. Robin Stephenson said.
Students submit a request for a pass for the bathroom, nurse, counselor, etc. and they are put in a queue. The school determines how many students can be in the hallway at a time or in a specific room at one time. Students are limited on how many passes they can have in one day, as well.
“We can see where our students are at all times in the building,” she said. Stephenson noted this is one more tool to help them cut down on undesirable behavior, such as vaping in the bathroom, because it’s very easy to determine where a student is and at what times.
Every classroom at CCMS is using the SmartPass and Stephenson said it is a definite timesaver for staff. She noted behavioral referrals have dropped dramatically compared to this time last year.
Once a student requests a pass, they have 3-5 minutes to go to their desired location then return to the classroom. Their laptop has a countdown, which is visible to the teacher. Stephenson said when it’s the student’s turn to leave the classroom, they turn around their laptop so the teacher can see. The screen lights up yellow and will turn red if the student has not returned at their designated time.
In addition, CCHS Principal D.C. Craig said “this system also allows us to restrict certain encounters so that groups of students/individuals are not permitted in the hallways/restrooms at the same time. Also, coming soon, additional features will be available to enhance the overall use of smartpass towards student success.”