As DGS enforces its new scanning policy, which requires students to scan into each classroom using their IDs at the start of each period, students and teachers are beginning to see noticeable effects. The system was implemented to improve attendance and ensure the safety of each student.

Administration and teachers have seen some positive outcome with the system. Principal Arwen Lyp has observed an increase in student attendance and views the system as running smoothly.

“Our attendance is significantly higher than it’s ever been before. When we run the unaccounted for student report each period, 90% of the students on the list are in class and are accounted for,” Lyp said.

Some special services teachers have encountered challenges in their classrooms related to the new system. Special services and self-contained teacher Shannon Lahey explains that, in their daily schedule, students typically stay in the classroom and remain in the exact location for the majority of the day. Due to the scheduling differences between the gen-ed students and the students in this program, the constant scanning while remaining in the exact location raises concerns in the classroom.

“On block days, we try to keep to an eight period schedule so we forget to scan in on the specific times intended for block days sometimes. Parents always get emails saying their child is missing, which is a problem since my students need constant supervision,” Lahey said.

Despite some drawbacks, Lahey sees an educational benefit for her students with special needs.

“Any time we implement a new policy in the school I want my students to try it to build some independence,” Lahey said.

Junior Natalia Sitko has experienced the change and believes the scanning is a waste of time.

“I’ve never had a problem with attendance, and I feel like it just wastes class time,” Sitko said.

Lyp believes the system is useful and offers valuable benefits for both students and teachers. Students will continue to see the system take place, as Lyp and administrators will consider both the positive and negative effects that scanning brings.

Read more about scanning in and the decrease in tardies here and Infinite Campus here.