With the start of the 2021-22 school year, GCS Schools implemented a new safety feature: GCS OneCards. These plastic cards display a student’s name, school, picture, and an easy-to-scan barcode used for entrance into the school. I recently asked Page High School’s assistant principal Mr. Motley some questions that students have about OneCards and why we have to wear them. He told me that OneCards are designed to keep students and schools safe, and to make sure no one enters the school who isn’t supposed to be there. Given the crazy times we live in, it’s important for schools to be able to quickly identify students and staff by the ID cards around their neck, so students are expected to wear their OneCards at all times.

This begs the question: What if I don’t have my OneCard? For students who lost their card or forgot it at home, join the line outside the school by G-Wing to get checked in and have a temporary ID pass. This is extremely important to make sure all students have some form of ID, even if they don’t have their OneCard. If you need a new OneCard, contact Mr. Motley or scan one of the OneCard request form QR codes posted in classrooms.

What about students who never received their OneCards? Due to new printing technology Page received last week, we can now print OneCards right here on campus. Students should contact Mr. Motley or their third period teacher, or scan one of the OneCard QR codes. Once a student has contacted the appropriate staff, they can expect a new OneCard within a day.

Many students have noticed a fine accumulating on their temporary ID passes. According to Mr. Motley, this fine does not apply to any student, regardless of whether they never received their OneCard or just forgot it at home. However, students requesting a new OneCard will be expected to pay a $5 replacement fee.

While it may be frustrating to have to wear OneCards every day, they’re important to keep our schools safe. Don’t forget to bring your OneCard every day to school!