The renowned and obsolete process of verbally asking your teacher for permission to leave is now a concept of the past. With just a few clicks, a new pass becomes available, beginning the timer where students can now walk out of the classroom and handle their business.

 On Jan. 8, 2024, Texas High School administration implemented a digital hall pass system through the platform “Securly,” which has now replaced the physical lanyards. 

The main reason for enacting this program across the campus revolves around keeping students in class longer, thus reducing hallway traffic. 

“The purpose behind our hall pass system is to minimize classroom disruptions and maximize learning,” assistant principal Dr. Adam Bell said. “The observation was that we have way too many students in the hallways at any given time, and there was a lot of lollygagging, and lack of urgency, and it was slowly starting to wear on teachers and [other] students; it was these observations that led us to start acting on it.” 

This new implementation has resulted in students reportedly spending more time in class instead of in the hallways, which has allowed them to spend their time more productively throughout the week. 

“[The passes] have helped keep kids that are not supposed to be [out of class], out of the hallways,” history teacher Chad Evans said. “The primary benefit is the limit that kids have. I think the three [pass] limit has made students value the time they can get out of class, and therefore they have rationed those passes.” 

Teachers across campus have stopped writing passes or handing out only lanyards, now only utilizing Securly Pass’ new tools.

“I like the automation of it,” Evans said. “We don’t have to keep up with who is on the ‘No Leave list’, if it’s the first or last 15 minutes of class, or if a bathroom is full, everything is taken care of by [the system].”

As for the long-term effects of this system, the administration hopes that it will allow students to reach their full potential with the removal of distractions this implementation offers. 

“Knowing that the students are more likely to stay in class and learn than be tempted to go hang outside in the hallways with their friends,” Bell said. “ It makes me feel like I’m here helping kids reach their future goals.”