Hanks High School Student Hallpass (photo by Karina Monticone)

On Feb. 2, 2012, Hanks’ principal Louis Martinez made an announcement over the intercom stating there will be strict rules for students during instructional time due to illegal activity occurring in the student restrooms.

Teachers have been asked to keep a list of students that leave the classroom during class periods for the next couple of weeks to prevent the illegal activities from continuing.

Students weigh in on the close watch they’ll be under for the next two weeks.

“Keeping a track of passes will only work for a short period of time,” said sophomore Kassandra Casas. “I understand where the school is getting the idea of keeping track from and why they believe it will prevent illegal acts, but it won’t stop the acts completely. A lot of kids go to the restrooms or leave class during school hours. It would be hard for the faculty to find out exactly who was in what bathroom at what time. Some teachers are now asking for students to go between transition periods, but they don’t understand how at times it’s difficult because most students don’t have classes down the hall from each other.”

Restroom and hallway passes are given away at teachers’ discretion, but they are encouraged to keep a close eye and record each student as they leave.