With the beginning of the 2025-2026 school year, students and staff are acclimating to new policies throughout the building. Genesis limitations, lanyards for IDs and phone regulations mark the first of the year’s changes.
Assistant Principal Brett Curtis said the goal is to create consistent expectations that “make the building optimal for instruction, student learning and social-emotional health,” developed with administration and feedback from the SGA.
Beginning this fall, WHS limited access to the Genesis gradebook during instructional hours. From the first bell until 3 p.m., grades are hidden from students and parents; other portal tools — including attendance, schedules, documents, forms, fees/fines and messages — remain available. Administrators say the change is meant to curb in-class grade checking and keep attention on lessons.
Senior Tegan Hegarty called the mid-day blackout “annoying,” considering the stress that comes with grades, especially for upperclassmen preparing for college.
This year, students are being required to wear their student IDs on a lanyard, ensuring that they are always visible to staff. Lanyards were given to Freshmen at Freshman Orientation, and are now available for free for students in the main office.
Starting this week, the policy was strictly enforced. Curtis said, “Enforcement will start with a warning; after three instances, it becomes a central detention.”
Although students needed to carry IDs with them last year, the change this year comes in the form of students having to physically wear their IDs at all times. Students have had the chance to acclimate to wearing the lanyard at all times, but not all of them enjoy it. Sophomore Mason Bliss said, “Around my neck, it distracts me.”
WHS also adopted a building-wide cell phone policy that enforces devices being off and out of sight during class and in hallways, offices or bathrooms. Phones are allowed during common lunch and assigned flex periods. Enforcement begins with a warning first. Multiple violations may lead to phone confiscation and end-of-day pickup in Office A, with repeat offenses requiring parent retrieval and possible detention.
In regard to the new cell phone policy, Science Teacher Judith McLoughlin stated, “Inside the classroom, I think it’s a really good idea. It’s going to help with anxiety and decrease stress. At first it might raise it, but after a while students will realize it’s better.”
According to the administration, WHS’ new policies are designed to foster a safe and productive learning environment for all students and staff.