Sanger High School has begun implementing Minga, a campus management software that tracks hall passes, tardies, and behavior issues. Staff say this system will improve accountability and reduce bad student behavior, while students believe Minga feels like a restriction.
Sanger High administrator Ramon Rodriguez says, “Minga can help improve accountability for students. Students can sometimes take advantage of being out of class.” Minga is a digital hall pass system that allows teachers to give out and track passes online rather than using traditional paper slips. Through Minga, teachers can see the time students leave and return to class. This system helps staff monitor students and reduces unnecessary roaming so students stay focused on learning.
Sanger High School CTE instructor Amelia DeLeon says Minga has made managing hall passes easier. “They use the pass when needed and come back in time. Class time and learning are the priority. I’m not against students listening to their bodies, but a lot of the time that wasn’t happening.” Students often took advantage of the leniency of traditional passes and would leave class longer than necessary. With the new system, teachers are able to make sure students come back on time.
However, not all students agree with the new system. Student Evelin Ceja does not support the idea of continuing Minga hall passes. “The time isn’t enough, sometimes with the security outside allowing only a certain amount of people coming in and out of the restroom, which then leads to me getting in trouble by my teachers.”
Student Citlali Martinez also commented, “I feel like it’s an invasion of privacy because they can see how long I’m out and how many times I’ve been out.”
As Sanger High continues using Minga, both teachers and students are still adjusting to the changes. Teachers see it as a way to keep students accountable and focused on learning, while some students feel it is inconvenient and limits their freedom and privacy.
