Student Identification

Student Identification Required

Achievement, Character, Success for Life...ACS
by Ada Grabowski, Ph.D., Superintendent of Schools (July, 2006)

Several years ago at the height of the security issues that were plaguing school districts across the nation, the Board of Education authorized identification tags for all district employees. The identification tags also serve as keyless entry into our buildings so that all doors can be locked during the day but are accessible to authorized school staff using their identification tags. When a staff member uses his/her tag to gain entry into any building, the code is logged into a computer so that we have a record of who is or has been in the buildings and the time entry was authorized.

Shortly after staff was required to use identification tags, students were included in the process, however for different reasons. All students are given an ID tag at the beginning of the year to use for lunch purchases and to take out library books. Each tag reflects the individual student identification number which many students memorize to eliminate the need to carry or wear the tag. This identification process is not only efficient, it effectively minimizes the possible stigma attached to students who receive free or reduced lunch.

Our next step in the process is to use the student identification system to monitor participation at extra-curricular events based on students' behavior while in school. It makes little sense to us that students who either do not attend class or are misbehaving while in school should be permitted unlimited access to be a spectator at extra-curricular events. Beginning in September 2006, all middle and high school students must bring their Albion Central School District ID tags with them to all extra-curricular school events. These events include football and basketball games, school plays and musicals. The tags will be scanned by a held-hand scanner and an alert will show on a student's name if one of the conditions set forth below is met. In order for this process to work, ALL students must present their identification tag before admittance is granted. If a student does not bring his/her tag to the event, he/she will not be allowed entrance to the event. Should a parent drop off the child without his/her identification tag or if the child is ineligible to attend due to the reasons listed below, the parent will be telephoned immediately to return for the child. Should we be unable to connect with the parent, the child will be placed in an in-school suspension room with supervision until the activity concludes.

Students are ineligible to attend extra-curricular events if they have been:

• Suspended from school
  
• Assigned to the correction room the week prior to an event for a 3 or 4 level offense outlined in the Code of Conduct
  
• Delinquent in payment of debts of $5 or more (for lost books, lunches, etc.)
  
• Delinquent in payment of debts of less than $5.00 that have been outstanding for more than 3 weeks (for lost books, lunches, etc). If this debt is a result of a hardship, please contact the Superintendent at 589-2050.
  
• Tardy three or more times in a quarter and/or absent six or more times in a quarter Students who are illegally absent or tardy from school may not attend or participate in extra-curricular activities on that day.

This process was discussed extensively by the Board of Education. It should assist us in

1) teaching students that extra-curricular activities are a privilege extended to those students who demonstrate respect and responsibility, and

2) dealing with students at school events who tend toward unruly behaviors which make the event less enjoyable for other spectators.

We know that when a new procedure is instituted there will be issues that need to be ironed out. We ask for your patience and assistance as we work through this process. We welcome your comments or suggestions.