A new software that tightens restrictions and security was introduced to PHS at the start of the academic year. Since the app’s release, staff members and students have formed a variety of opinions on it. There are now more opinions than ever regarding the new app and how it functions. In order to compare different perspectives, Aubrey and Yolanda made the decision to interview faculty, staff, and students about the app throughout PHS.
Starting with positive outlooks, the first interview Yolanda conducted was with their past history teacher, Mrs. Perez, who stated that she liked the app because, “It makes hall passes a lot more quick and easy, it’s nice that students are making them rather than being dependent on teachers, and it gives a lot of good data like tracking who is out into the hallway and when.” Another teacher who is also in favor of the app stated, “It has benefited me by helping me keep track of students who are using the restroom under my name, and it gives out reward systems to students who are doing what they should be doing and practicing their norms.” In addition, Mr. Edwards who is a Music Teacher expresses “I think it is cool that we are using an app in hopes of saving paper and in hopes of making the whole process of writing a pass be faster so I am glad we are thinking that way.
It goes without saying that there will be some unfavorable opinions in addition to the positive ones. “It sucks because it’s completely determined on the phone and we should carry regular IDs because the app only works with a working phone,” says Eian, a student from PHS. Another negative opinion comes from Ali who states, “I hate it, it is useless, it is awful, it is not preventing skipping. Stupid bathroom passes, not enough time and I do not receive points.” Zoey, who is another PHS student states, “The app never loads.” Lastly, “Waste of storage, doesn’t help me in any way as a student, and makes it harder to get into school.” states an additional source from PHS.
After these interviews and hearing different students talk about it since the start of school, it is easy to say there are many opinions surrounding the topic of the MINGA app. It seems to be that teachers favor the app and most of the students disapprove.
