Student IDs have been made mandatory in all high schools by the Montgomery County Public Schools (MCPS) since Sept. 30. The rule was originally established by the Division of School Security in Aug. of 1999, but has changed from “strongly recommended” to “required” starting in the 2024-2025 school year, as reported by the MCPS website. According to the website, “the use of badges is one of several ways the school system is moving to enhance the security in all buildings and support a safe learning environment in schools.”
Security Assistant Ms. Ashley N. Herbert says that the IDs “prevent students trespassing from another school[s].”
According to Herbert, identification makes it much easier for security to ensure the safety of all students.
“It’s very important for students to carry their IDs through[out] the school day,” said Herbert. “[It] makes it much easier for security and a staff member to identify students.”
These badges, received by students in grades nine, 10, and 11, have information about the student that would be useful in the time of an emergency. They contain the student’s full name, school ID number, school picture, school name, homeroom number, and the current school year. The IDs must be attached to the lanyard provided and visibly on the student at all times. Seniors must use their temporary identification badges until their permanent IDs are given to them. Badges are checked upon entry into the building, in the mornings, and also for students coming back from lunch (if they have decided to leave the building).
“I find it really annoying, like trying to find my ID every morning, you know, bringing it to school every morning,” said Freshman Charvi Reddy. “I’ve seen a lot of people sneak in without their IDs either way, so I don’t know if they’re necessarily ahead of issues.”
Students losing or forgetting to carry an ID is quite a common occurrence, which is why the school has offered a temporary alternative for those who do not have an ID on their person upon entry into the school.
If a student loses their student ID, they must find a member of security/administration or visit the main office to complete a Google form letting the office know whether it was lost or forgotten. The student will then receive a temporary badge sticker. If lost, they will also receive a replacement ID card with a $5 obligation on their School Cash Online account. The fee is meant to push students to remember to carry an ID and make sure to keep them on their person at all times.
School Secretary Ms. Adrienne A. Brooks mentions that in the future, she believes changes will come as students become more used to IDs daily.
“I do feel that there is more of an alertness to the school and who is in it,” said Brooks. “I feel with the student ID policy, eventually change will come. I feel the IDs will help with staying ahead of issues that could arise.”
