
Most of the rules Mr. Josh Ramey, dean of students, addressed during the assembly on the first day of school were not surprising to Upper School students: no chewing gum, no wearing airpods in the hallways and no skipping classes.
However, the new rule that raised many students’ eyebrows was that Falcon cards must be on display at all times.
Falcon cards have been a necessity for members of the Kinkaid community to pay for Dining Center and school store purchases and for entering buildings around the campus. But this year, the cards’ purpose of helping to ensure the safety of the students, faculty and staff has become a focal point.
Mr. Ramey said this safety precaution was being implemented by the school in case of a dangerous situation. In the event of a lockdown or security emergency on campus, the Falcon cards would be a way to quickly identify students, faculty and staff.
The rule came in the wake of increased construction on campus for the All In Campaign. Construction workers around campus and shuttle traffic in the mornings and afternoons have given security personnel more people to account for but not all students like the requirement.
Students’ negative responses to the rule came as a surprise to administrators, including Mr. Ramey. The majority of Upper School students did not have their Falcon cards on display during the previous school year, because they felt it was unnecessary, unattractive or they just forgot it at home.
“The new rule can be a little stressful because if we forget our Falcon card one day, we can easily get in trouble,” freshman Jackie Miranda said.
Some students were not bothered by the rule.
“It’s not really a big deal,” junior Kendall Henderson said. “I had to wear an ID card before, so I don’t mind it.”
The administration has made no indication of changing the rule any time soon.