The Minga pass system has been in force for a while now, so an accurate assessment can be made of this system. This will be an informal assessment by students, teachers and even security team members about the effectiveness of Minga here at PHS.

The Minga app was initially created and used to communicate more with students and parents, so it’s easier to give announcements. But from experience, it is being used to create hall passes to be easier for teachers to write students a pass. But that’s not the only feature this app has. For example, the students won’t have to worry about losing their ID because the app provides a clear image of it on your phone.

For the teachers, it shows how many people are in certain locations, and for last the hall pass tool. The promise for this system was that it would not only make the job of keeping track of students easier for teachers and administrators, but also for students and security personnel.

Opinions on the app

Andreina Alcantara – Senior

• “I don’t like it because I don’t have space on my phone, and I cannot download the app. I am a senior and don’t have lunch and the app doesn’t have the option of lunch so I cannot eat until I’m out of the school.”

Enyerly Perez – Senior

• “It took some getting used to, but now that it has been a while, this system is pretty easy and it’s like we have been doing it forever.”

Matthew Brocato – Senior

• “I hate using technology when a simple piece of paper does just fine. But I know why they did it. We should just do what we are supposed to and then things will run smoothly.”

Paris Rojas – Sophomore

• “It doesn’t sit right with me because it takes more time making the pass and if you don’t have it you have to use your chromebook and it is annoying.”

Mrs. Schutlz – Spanish

• “Minga behaves like any technology element. It is a resource whose identity depends on the use and exploitation that is given to it, if management invests the time and energy necessary to use it. On the other hand, if you do not invest in the approval of said data, Minga runs the risk of becoming an excuse and will go to the arc of things that could be very useful, they are replaced by the new little account expected in fashion at the moment data it collects, it has the potential to become an agile and practical tool.”

Mr. Schleer – History

• “I love it because now we know where everyone is at all times (safety first). Also, it is easier for me and less time being distracted by pass-making.”

Security team opinions

• “The app seems nice and I see it making teachers’ lives easier.”
• “It’s already making a change in the hallways, and I hope that in the future this may work even better.”
• “Seems pretty good to me, even though it has its cons.”

While there is still some disagreement on the use of this app for passes, no one said that it does not work. It has only been a short while and this system is already like second nature to most of us.

Starting in September this is the new normal for all of us and it will be the only way we can get a pass to do anything. More features will be coming online and that means more ease of use during the day for students who are going to games or practices. This system has a lot of promise, now that we are getting the hang of it.

Of the students who said they hate it, perhaps they should consider that it is meant to keep track of them. Of course, kids do not like to see new rules and the enforcement of those rules, but here we are.

We should take Matthew Brocatto’s advice and just “do what we are supposed to do,” and then everything will work out fine.