School IDs are back and with more enforcement than ever. This school year, PHS is implementing more thorough and consistent enforcement methods for school IDs in hopes to increase ID usage among students and promote safety within the school .
School ID use for students was reinstated on Oct. 1, 2025 , after students took their yearbook pictures and received new IDs. Seniors that had not yet taken their senior photos received temporary IDs to use instead. These IDs are required to be worn and visible during the school day and are checked by a staff member when students enter and reenter the building .
In the morning, two staff members are stationed at each main entrance to check students’ IDs before they enter the building and distribute temporary ID stickers to those who need them. During lunch, Security guards are stationed at the entrances to check students for IDs when reentering campus.
According to Principal Mr. Mark Carothers, enforcing the ID policy is necessary to maintain safety at school.
“Students are unable to learn if they are not safe, and student IDs being visible at all times ensures that PHS staff are able to properly identify all students,” said Carothers.
Some of the new ID enforcement methods include positive reinforcement, such as distributing candy to students that are wearing their IDs, or complimenting students for their adherence to the policy .
Other enforcement methods utilize punishment. According to the Student ID Policy: 2025-2026, failure to use IDs will result in consequences of three escalating levels. These levels include parent contact, disciplinary referrals, and a $5 financial obligation.
School Security Guard Ms. Ashley Herbert expressed that the new enforcement has been successful so far.
“Stricter enforcement has made a noticeable positive difference in campus safety and student accountability compared to last year,” said Herbert.
However, sophomore Grace Chi noted that the negative reinforcement methods of the ID policy may be too punishing.
“I think it’s a double-edged sword because of the fact that it incentivizes students [to wear IDs],” said Grace, “but at the same time…I feel like it’s unnecessary escalation to bring parents in about the ID policy and to make students pay for the 5 dollar thing.” ]
While MCPS made student ID badges mandatory in the previous school year (2024-2025) , PHS administration viewed the 2024-2025 school year as a transitional period for ID usage, meaning ID enforcement was not as thorough as it could’ve been.
“As the year progressed, our consistency of enforcement began to lessen, and this sent unclear expectations to students,” said Carothers. “We have recommitted to the importance of keeping student IDs visible at all times.”
