Hall High School started using the SmartPass system and stricter phone caddy rules at the beginning of this school year. These changes affect how students move around the school and when they can use their phones. The new rules limit bathroom passes to five minutes, track where students go in the hallways, and require phones to be kept in classroom caddies during class time.
The school made these changes to cut down on crowded hallways, stop students from wandering, and reduce distractions from phones. SmartPass times each bathroom trip, lets teachers know if a student goes over the limit, and controls how many students can be in the hallway at once. Phone caddies are meant to help students stay focused and prevent phone misuse.
Students have different opinions about the new rules. Some think the rules are too strict or don’t match real‑life needs. Junior Liv Varelas shared her frustration, saying, “It’s not enough time to use the bathroom, wash your hands, and come back.” Other students worry about not having their phones during emergencies or for assignments that require them.
