Gates Chili high school rolls out digital hall-pass, tightens safety protocols and outlines new student programs

Gates Chili Central School District Board of Education members heard an extended high-school report about safety systems, changes to academic recognition and student programs during their regular meeting. High school administrators described the district-wide rollout of a digital hall-pass, new threat-assessment processes and multiple student-led initiatives.

The presentation covered four main areas: a full implementation of the Securly electronic EPAS hall-pass system in the middle and high schools; expanded safety practices including a threat assessment management team and lockdown protocols; adoption of a Latin honors system for the graduating class; and a range of student programs from art displays and a peer-lead equity group to a proposed HBCU college tour.

Administrators said the Securly EPAS system replaces paper passes and allows students to request hall passes on devices while teachers approve them digitally. “The digital platform replaces what we all know and love as the traditional, pass system,” the presenter said, noting an administrative live dashboard that shows who is out of class, where they are headed and how long they have been gone. The presentation included usage data the school said show the system is preventing repeated, inappropriate meetups: “1 pair of students was blocked 314 times from attempted meetups. Another group was 516 times and the current record holder as of today…1916 times,” the presenter said.

Administrators said the system includes preset location limits, contact-control features (to prevent two students in conflict from being on active passes simultaneously) and restrictions on creating passes in the first or last five minutes of class. Instructional staff said the data allow targeted conversations about chronic hallway wandering or excessive pass usage with students, parents and counselors.

On safety, the high school reported regular tabletop exercises and expanded drills that include scenarios during passing time and lunch. The administration said staff have access to the TAP app and that designated staff can call a lockdown if needed. A newly formed threat assessment management team includes security, the school resource officer, administration, student support services and instructional staff; members have completed online training and many have attended in‑person threat assessment training. Administrators said the team meets regularly and will follow situations of concern across the year.

Administrators also described a change to graduation recognition. The board-approved Latin-honors system will be implemented this year; administrators reported preliminary counts of students who will qualify: 16 students for summa laude, 27 for magna laude and 36 for cum laude. The school said students who qualify for summa laude will be invited to submit applications and draft speeches for a small committee to review as part of a revised graduation‑speech selection process.

Several student programs and partnerships were reviewed. A building equity team led by students—now rebranded “Gates to Change”—was described by junior Modesty Penny, who said the group runs small safe-place discussions and student-led presentations on topics such as microaggressions and equity. “We have student presents present a topic to teachers, possibly on creating safe spaces in within the school,” Penny said.

Students and staff highlighted arts and curriculum changes: studio art work displayed for an MJ musical, RIT Start Here exhibition participants, adjustments to science instruction to align with the Next Generation Science Standards and the first-year offering of half‑year senior English courses to increase flexibility. The presentation noted displaced tech‑education teachers continuing instruction in temporary spaces during building construction.

Administrators outlined an expanding Intro to Education course that grew from a club to a full class and partnerships with the Children’s Institute; three Gates Chili students were among countywide participants accepted to a youth leadership council. The high school also proposed a three‑day HBCU college tour (Bowie, Coppin, Morgan and Howard Universities) for March 25–27; the presenter said juniors will apply with teacher recommendations and that school funds will be used to help cover costs, though precise funding amounts were not specified.

The report closed with school‑culture initiatives—staff and student spirit activities, the “cookies and a compliment” program and other efforts to recognize staff—and an announcement that Lucas Gabel will present on Gates Chili’s safety program to the Monroe County School Boards Association in February.

Administrators asked the board for routine follow-up and for approval of any separate requests tied to specific proposals (for example, final approval of the HBCU trip budget and itinerary).