![Wayland High School Class of 2019 alum Devin Wong is the new assistant coach of Harvard University Nordic Ski Team. "I’m excited to be a part of a new team and coaching staff am motivated to learn from [head coach] Cate Brams and grow as a coach and wax tech," Wong said.](https://waylandstudentpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/09-27-24-NSKI-Wong-Announcement-1920x1080-1-e1730466291327-1200x704.jpg)
The question on everyone’s mind is this: Has Wayland High school turned into an incarnation of 1984, or do our new mandatory ID cards have the same purpose as in years past? Students were welcomed this year by the announcement that ID cards would be issued for attendance purposes and cards must be carried at all times. This has ignited discussion about whether these cards are worth the price of the plastic and the printer and whether the school is becoming a totalitarian state or are simply a convenience for students and staff.
Mr. Tutwiler tried to alleviate fears about the new system. The primary purpose of the cards, he said, is to serve as a photo IDs for SAT centers and discounts at movie theatres. They are also used for signing in and signing out, because swiping a card is more environmentally friendly and quicker than using paper. Securing the school and discipline is “not the lead purpose,” he said. On a list of uses for the cards, discipline would rank “fourth or fifth.”
“We don’t have a problem,” he added, concerning discipline. And if students are “asked to show their student ID,” as the morning announcements threaten, it will be no more significant than a teacher asking students for their names.
Mr. Tutwiler pointed out that students missing photos or with incorrect ID numbers will not have to pay the five-dollar fee for a new one. He also said that students who lost their cards should get a replacement. “Everyone should have one,” he said. The five-dollar fee was “…not to make money;” rather, it was just to cover the cost of the cards.
Many students aren’t convinced. “It’s stupid,” said senior Jill F. “The only reason I have an ID is for discounts,” junior Tally L. said, “They seem kind of pointless.” An anonymous sophomore said that the cards were “…a tad convenient when coming in late, but I think we should get them replaced for free if we lose them.”
Some students defended the cards, including senior Amanda T. “Now ID cards have a purpose,” she said, referring to the movie discounts. Regardless of student opinion, however, the cards are quickly becoming a part of the school system.
This Article is Flawed • Jan 7, 2009 at 10:59 PM
i really dont mind having an id, this article is sort of irrelevant, its fun to take a gander at my spiffy pic every once in while, and i dont understand why anyone would have too much of a problem with the id’s
Emily • Oct 6, 2008 at 8:11 AM
I like your article. =]
This Article Has No Point • Sep 23, 2008 at 7:34 AM
Most schools have id cards! It’s no big deal. I think this article is a waste of time for that reason. I am indifferent about the student id matter. The student discount at the movies has recently been removed. But to worry this much about student ids is just insanity.
the kidd • Sep 22, 2008 at 5:55 PM
so what if we have id cards. who cares. its no big deal, if you ask me this article is a joke also.
nobody • Sep 22, 2008 at 1:37 PM
yeah, most other schools do have ids. i had one at my old school, and we didnt really use them , but still. since there are so many people here it would be safer, and we get discounts at staples and stuff. i dont mind.
Andrew B. • Sep 21, 2008 at 5:42 PM
Matthew, the only reason that I’m skeptical of that analysis (unless you were being sarcastic? 🙂 ) is because Mr. Tutwiler specifically did not point out the safety issue. Certainly if he thought it would be safer, he would have mentioned that. Unless of course he was avoiding the topic.
anonymous • Sep 19, 2008 at 1:23 PM
this article is a joke. most other schools have id’s. no big deal.
Matthew • Sep 19, 2008 at 8:40 AM
These cards are protecting us! Remember when someone threatened to like, kill everyone in the school by spray-painting the water house two years ago? And they worried they’d have to cancel the window dance performances? Well, now if a teacher sees someone that looks like a psychotic killer and they lack both a visitor’s pass and an ID, they will be known before they try to do something violent. I, for one, feel safer knowing that I can be charged five dollars for leaving my wallet at home, or in my car, or at the zoo.