On your typical day, Juniors and Seniors want to hurry out of their classes and go off campus for their lunch. Since Minga has been implemented, security guards and even APs have begun scanning and checking at the ribbon instead of waiting until students are in their cars and about to get out of the gates. Questions have arisen about why all of this is happening and why now. 

I asked Mr. Shaw, “What made you want to implement a stricter protocol for getting off campus?” (scanning and checking) because it was a hassle at the beginning and numerous kids were frustrated on a daily basis. 

He explained that “We actually didn’t implement any stricter protocol, we just shored up the protocols we had in place, and as the year is evolving…we’re getting better with Minga”. So don’t be quick to judge just because it’s an inconvenience. The administration is learning too and everything they do is to ensure their student’s safety. They already had these protocols in place, but now it is being implemented in a different way. 

He further states, “…The reason that we need to make sure that only the kids who have lunch passes leave campus is 1. So that parents are aware that their kids are leaving campus and to ensure the safety of the kids that are allowed to leave campus are leaving campus.” We have to consider the repercussions of allowing students to leave off campus in case of an accident: it’s a luxury, not a must. All staff members know that Freshmen and Sophomores have snuck off campus by getting into the trunks of cars, so if you think you’re getting away with something, you are mistaken. 

He adds that Santiago High School is in direct communication with Minga and its CEO, so whatever concerns you may have, feel free to let Mr. Shaw know or express your concerns with Journalism so we are able to give constructive criticism. All problems and complaints may be able to meet a solution. 

Following these protocols, I asked, “What changes do you want to make for the upcoming school year?” He further clarified, “Minga is a student engagement tool. There should be no more excuses that students don’t know what’s happening on campus because we are adding everything to Minga…We are going to continue to add files and flyers and information to Minga so that if you don’t know something that’s going on campus you can look up Minga and it’s there for you.” This is supposed to make your life easier, not harder. 

Although Minga has its flaws, so does everything else and Mr. Shaw is learning how to use it just like we are. Not everything can be perfect the first time; as time goes on, it will improve. Maybe not this year, but next year will definitely be better. This little lunch dilemma has cons, but the reasoning behind it is much more important: student safety.  And when it comes right down to it – we certainly can’t blame anyone for keeping students as safe as possible.