A new school year often brings rules changes. This year, a new rule was quickly met with student approval: no more lanyards.
At the beginning of the year assembly students heard the words “You might have heard the rumors…” and they waited eagerly to see if their hopes were true; “…this year we are removing the lanyard policy.” This news was received with a grand multitude of cheers. However, the question of why the lanyard policy was removed still remained.
Catholic Central had lanyards with radio frequency security cards for the past school years of 2023-2024 and 2024-2025. These lanyards were implemented to increase the security of the school by limiting building access to only staff and students without having to unlock the main doors between 7:15-8:00 a.m. It was expected of everyone to wear their lanyard around their neck every day, and if they did not have one, they needed to go to the main office to grab a temporary one. While the implementation of lanyards was done with all good intentions, things soon became sour for the staff enforcing the rule.
“It was creating a negative ripple effect,” said new Principal Abby Kanitz.
“When I was here in the spring, I noticed how many students came in in the morning because they needed a lanyard… it was creating a lot more work for Mrs. Quint and Mrs. Hipp [in the front office],” stated Mrs. Kanitz.
“There were at least 20-30 students coming in every morning,” said Administrative Assistant Jen Quint. “[After removing the lanyard policy] the office is so much quieter in the mornings.” The demand for temporary lanyards each day often caused the office staff to resort to temporary name tags.
When asked about security, Mrs. Kanitz said, “Most schools keep their doors locked; however, we realized that we can keep the inner doors locked and the outer doors open for short periods of time.” This allows students access during passing times while still keeping the building secure.
“Plus, all the students seem to be happier without a lanyard,” stated Mrs. Kanitz.
“I enjoy not having a lanyard because I don’t need to worry about buying a new one after losing mine,” said junior Aglaia Arraut.
So, to the joy of both the students and office staff, the lanyard policy was removed.
