by Emma Thompson (Posted on October 22, 2026 @ 10:48 a.m.)

At Alamo Heights Junior School, the front office distributes approximately 675 office passes every school week. That is a lot of passes for one school! These passes help the school keep track of students and make sure they are accounted for when entering or leaving the office. The topic became important after observations showed that many students had been getting checked out of school recently. Research into the office pass system helps explain how often students receive passes, why they need them, and how the office makes sure the process is handled safely.

On October 7, 2026, Georgie, a seventh-grade student who works as an office aide during third period, was interviewed about the office pass system. Georgie explained, “Students normally get checked out during lunch or around 12pm.” Her answer helped explain when students are most likely to leave school. Some students may leave around lunchtime or midday because they want to miss as little class time as possible. Others might need to leave for appointments or family reasons. Some students also arrive late because of morning appointments, while others leave school early for afternoon appointments. This shows that office passes are used at different times throughout the school day.

Also on October 7, 2026, Lyle, another seventh-grade student who works as an office aide during third period, was interviewed. Lyle said, “approximately 15 kids get an office pass per class period.” Using this estimate, the researcher calculated that approximately 675 office passes are distributed each week. This number shows how busy the front office can be during a typical school week. Students receive passes for different reasons, including appointments and schedule changes. These passes help students get to the right place while allowing office staff to keep track of who needs assistance.

On October 5, 2026, Mrs. Deorio, an office attendant who works in the front office, was interviewed. She explained, “my office aides will deliver the passes.” This helped clarify how the pass system works. Mrs. Deorio signs the passes, and the student office aides deliver them to the students who need them. When students arrive at the office, they show their passes to Mrs. Deorio. She also explained, “when the parent gets here they have to sign them out.” This step is important because it helps the school know when students are leaving and makes sure the checkout process is completed properly. Without an organized process, it could be more difficult for the office to keep track of students.

On October 8, 2026, Reagan, an eighth-grade student who works in the front office, was interviewed. Reagan said, “the counselors just give us the passes and we give them to the students.” This helped explain that office aides deliver passes after receiving them from the counselors. Reagan also said, “kids normally get an office pass to leave around advisory.” Students may leave around advisory because they want to miss as little class time as possible. The reasons for receiving a pass vary, including leaving school early, meeting with counselors, and making schedule changes. However, the research suggests that early pickups are one of the main reasons students receive passes.

Research into the office pass system at AHJS shows that passes are used for many reasons, especially appointments, schedule changes, and early pickups. Interviews with Georgie, Lyle, Mrs. Deorio, and Reagan helped explain how passes are distributed and how the office keeps track of students. Although the front office may seem like an ordinary part of the school, its work is important to keeping AHJS organized and helping students stay safe. The pass system helps ensure students are accounted for during school hours and that an approved adult picks them up. Without an organized office pass system, it could be more difficult to keep track of students. The next time a student receives an office pass, it may seem like a small task, but it is part of a larger system that helps the school day run smoothly.