Incorporating Multi-purpose School ID Cards
The sophistication of school security has evolved greatly over the past two decades, and ensuring the safety of children is an enormous responsibility. Keeping pace with the available technology is also a critical consideration.
A straightforward and cost-conscious approach is to maximize resources while maintaining the level of safeguard quality. In the case of ID card printers, this can be accomplished efficiently and effectively regardless of stringent budget boundaries.
Multi-purpose school ID cards can be used to manage many other aspects of curricular and extracurricular activities:
Subtract cash from the school lunch equation
Using school ID cards for school lunch programs has gained momentum over the past five years, as it eliminates the need for students to carry cash. Barcodes are the most frequently used technology option as they do not require any special equipment beyond a standard ID card printer and barcode reader.
Magnetic stripe cards may store value, and when swiped, automatically deduct the cost of lunch when used. Both technologies are easily integrated with automated point-of-sale systems allowing more accurate transactions and account management.
Track school bus access and ridership
Adding a bus number to an ID improves the level of the student's security by safeguarding that the correct bus is boarded. It also ensures that unauthorized riders are not allowed on the school bus without the proper credentials.
Monitor classroom attendance
Implementing software into a student ID card program can substantially improve the effectiveness of tracking classroom attendance. Software records tardiness or absence information, allowing teachers to notify parents via email if warnings or after-school detention are issued. Attendance data can then be used for timely reporting at the end of the month, semester and school year.
Manage library and technology assets
A common use of school IDs with barcodes or magnetic stripes includes the management of library, media, and technology resources like computers, tablets, and other devices.
In fact, nearly 40% of those surveyed indicated they use their student ID cards to track and protect these educational assets.
Motivate students to achieve their goals
A little creativity can go a long way when it comes to ID cards. A school in Kentucky recognizes academic achievement and classroom attendance with rewards cards. At the end of each quarter, students receive a card that reflects their performance with coupons printed on the back of cards that can be redeemed at local businesses.
| If you've been researching school ID card systems to help manage your multi-use ID cards and want help finding a system that offers all the features you need, call an ID Professional today at (800) 321-4405 x2 or chat now. |
