Campus Student ID Pilot Information
February 10, 2023
Starting in the 2022-23 school year, Frisco ISD will pilot the use of student ID cards at Corbell and Riddle elementary schools. The ID includes the student’s first name and last initial, grade level and photo as shown in this linked sample. A scannable barcode contains the student’s ID number.
The ID serves a number of purposes, including:
Students scan their student IDs in the cafeteria to seamlessly connect to their meal accounts. January data shows that students are spending 50% less time in the lunch line and have more time to eat.
Students check out books with a simple scan of their ID in the library.
Students scan their ID cards to get on and off the bus, adding a layer of safety and security.
During the 2018 Bond Election, voters supported the purchase of Radio Frequency ID (RFID) bus monitoring technology to track bus ridership to address safety and security on buses. Learn more about the approved bond measure.
Scanning on and off the bus has several advantages including:
Accurate tracking of the number of students on the bus.
Accurate tracking of where the students scanned on and off the bus.
Ability to promptly provide information to parent inquiries.
Bus drivers will have greater accuracy in ensuring students load/unload at their proper stops.
Current Timeline
November 2022 - Students issued ID cards and lanyards
December 2022 - Students use ID cards in the café and library
January 2023 - Bus eligible students use their cards to scan on and off the bus.
Corbell students will begin to use their cards to scan on and off the bus starting at dismissal Wednesday, February 15.
Riddle students on bus 208, 210, 213, and 217 will scan their IDs to get on the bus at dismissal starting on Tuesday, February 21.
Riddle students on bus 222, 220, 214, and 216 will scan their IDs to get on the bus at dismissal starting on Wednesday, February 22.
What’s Next
Transportation will work with campuses and families to learn what is and is not going well with the pilot program. The District will respond to the needs of staff and the community to support the initiative.
Frequently Asked Questions
How will the student IDs be used on the buses?
Students will board the bus and scan their ID with the Zpass reader (which is a square object with a blue light) that is at the top of the stairs. This will register the scan and the student’s name, grade and picture will populate on the driver’s tablet.
If the student is bus eligible and boarded the correct bus at the correct stop, the student’s information will turn green on the tablet. If the student is bus eligible but boarded the incorrect bus or loaded or unloaded at the incorrect stop, the student information will turn red. The tablet will show a red scan with an “X” if the student is not a bus-eligible student.
All information is captured and transmitted via cellular service back to the transportation department in near real-time.
How can I check to see if my student boarded or exited the bus?
You can contact either the transportation department (469-633-6155) or your student’s campus. The transportation department and the campus have access to the information from the bus scans. Each can provide the time your student scanned on and off the bus as well as the specific stop location. This information is updated in near real-time.
What if a bus rider forgets their student ID in the morning?
Every effort should be made for parents to aid students in maintaining their Student IDs.
For the morning bus ride, students who have their IDs will be asked to board the bus first for their safety. A student without their ID will wait at the end of the line so that they can have a one-on-one conversation with the bus driver. The student will need to provide their first and/or last name to the bus driver so the driver can manually scan them on the bus.
What if a bus rider forgets their student ID in the afternoon?
For the afternoon, prior to boarding the bus, if the parent/guardian did not locate and deliver the student ID to the campus prior to dismissal, the student will need to have another ID card printed. If the misplaced student ID is found after a replacement card is printed, the original card must be returned to the campus for disposal. The bus tag component is only active on the most current card that has been printed.
What if my child needs a new or replacement card?
The student can go to the front desk to obtain a new student ID card.
For newly enrolled students, the campus will take a picture of the student and enter the data (if necessary). It takes approximately two minutes for this process.
For existing students, the student will provide the front desk with their ID or name to receive a replacement card. The student may need to have a picture taken if none exists in the database.
There is no charge for the initial card.
There is a $5.00 cost to replace a card.
During the 2022-23 ID pilot, families will not be charged for replacement cards.
When does my child need to wear their student ID?
During lunch and library times. The campuses are managing the process to incorporate the IDs into the students’ daily activities. Additionally, anytime the student is riding the bus to school in the morning and from school in the afternoon.
Are students required to use the ID in the cafeteria or library?
Yes, the primary tool to check out in the lunch line and the library will be the barcode on the ID; however, they may also utilize the keypad currently available to manually enter the student ID when they forget it.
Where will the ID be kept on campus?
Each classroom has a designated location where the students keep their IDs while they are on campus. Those students who do not ride the FISD school buses will keep their IDs on campus to reduce the possibility of lost IDs.