Roanoke City Public Schools introduce mandatory ID badges for enhanced security
Roanoke, Virginia – As Roanoke City Public Schools gear up to start the new academic year on August 20, a significant change awaits the students, especially those in high school. For the first time, high school students are required to wear ID badges at all times, a policy implemented to enhance security and streamline various school activities.
Why ID Badges?
The requirement for high school students to wear ID badges serves multiple purposes. These badges are essential for everyday activities such as boarding and alighting buses, recording attendance, borrowing library books, and accessing specific computer programs. Additionally, these badges are crucial for entry into school-sponsored events, ensuring that only authorized students can attend.
The initiative, which began as a pilot in some schools last summer and fall, is not just about tightening security; it also offers practical benefits. For instance, students can avail discounts at Valley Metro and Roanoke Public Libraries, adding a layer of utility to the badges.
The decision to introduce ID badges was one of 25 safety enhancement recommendations made in 2022 aimed at improving security measures across the division.
Extending to Younger Students
The badge policy extends beyond high schoolers. Starting this year, students from Pre-K through eighth grade will also wear badges, but only for bus-related activities. This part of the initiative is linked to a new bus partnership with Zum, a company focused on safe and reliable student transportation.
This partnership introduces a significant upgrade to the school transport system. Zum promises a host of benefits for parents and students, including a real-time app that allows parents to track their children’s bus location, view driver and vehicle details, and receive notifications about any delays.
Optimizing Bus Routes and Schedules
To further improve efficiency and punctuality, city leaders have revised bus routes by reducing the number of stops and adjusting school start and dismissal times. These changes are designed to provide additional time for buses to reach their stops punctually.
The schools have been realigned geographically to enhance route efficiency. This reorganization means that some schools will start and end at different times compared to the previous year:
- Tier 1: 7:15 a.m. to 2 p.m. — Includes eight elementary schools.
- Tier 2: 8 a.m. to 2:45 p.m. — Comprises nine elementary schools.
- Tier 3: 8:45 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. — Encompasses all high schools and Forest Park Academy.
- Tier 4: 9:30 a.m. to 4:15 p.m. — Covers all middle schools and Noel C. Taylor Academy.
