For years, students at VHS could leave the classroom whenever they wanted, all they needed was a simple teacher signature. This year at VHS, it is not that easy. Each classroom gets just one bathroom pass, which means that you will not find two students from the same classroom out at the same time.
With the new bathroom pass system, there are far fewer people leaving the classroom. Only one can leave with the pass from each classroom, which causes less “laps” in the hallways. Some students feel that the system is having a positive effect on our school.
Senior, Megan Mckeown, says “I think that having one pass is good because teachers don’t have to re-explain things as often.”
Although the new system leads to a more productive learning environment, some students find it inconvenient. Senior Gianna Calandra says, “It’s really annoying when someone is taking long with the pass and I can’t leave until they get back.” She adds, “Not everyone uses the pass to walk laps in the hallways.” Students also argue that having a single laminated bathroom pass is unhygienic.
The bathroom is arguably the most unsanitary place in the school. In order to bring the pass from class to the bathroom and back, it must come in contact with students’ dirty hands after using the bathroom. Some teachers and students recognize that this is unsanitary and have thought of ways to experiment with and/or avoid bacteria. A few of Ms. Ramos’s medical biology students are experimenting on the pass and the possible bacteria that it could have on it. Some teachers have even connected their class pass to a lanyard.
The new system of leaving the classroom is coming as an inconvenience to many but is also leading to a more productive classroom for others.