As we start the new year, one of the most immediately noticeable changes is our new sign in/sign out permission system, REACH boarding, implemented for both boarding and day students. 

REACH allows students to use their electronic appliances, such as a computer or phone to leave and arrive back on campus. Students can SISO (Sign In Sign Out) or create a Leave Request online for their next trip, whether it be an overnight stay with family or friends, or a shopping trip at the mall.

In the past, Loomis used paper pers, permission slips required only for boarding students to fill out. REACH has replaced paper pers and manually signing out completely. It has also extended to involve day students since they now have to SISO on and off campus.

Other differences from the previous system include that parents must give permission for boarding students to go off campus along with getting the approval from the dean’s office. Also, before students leave campus they must SISO to show that they have left.

Ever since REACH has been implemented, both teachers and students around campus have recognized the system’s pros and cons.

“I understand the school introduced the REACH system with good intentions, but I think it is an unnecessary inconvenience, especially for day students since we don’t need permission to leave campus. Also, attendance is taken during every class and at sports practice, so deans will know when we are at school from that,” Audrey Zhang ’21, a day student, said.

Math teacher Ms. Annie Sher agreed. “I think the pros are that it is user-friendly, easy to use, and nice to see where everyone is on my phone or computer. But it seems like it can be a hassle for the kids to SISO everywhere they’re going, especially if they’re already out for study hall and change locations,” she said.

“[REACH is] super convenient and accessible from devices. [There is] no need for faculty signature on weekend trips/trips with faculty driver,” Olivia Zoga ’21, a boarding student, said.