At nearly 380,000 square feet, the High School of Fashion Industries is more than just a school building it functions like a small city under one roof. Comparable in size to a major office tower or shopping complex, the facility houses specialized classrooms, fashion studios, computer labs, gyms, an auditorium, a health clinic, cafeterias, library, lounge, and shared learning spaces that support a large and dynamic student population each day.
To ensure the safety, well-being, and accountability of every student, a coordinated team of Peace Teachers, Community Associates, Administrators, School Safety Agents work together daily to monitor the building. Each morning, a unique patrol schedule is created for staff members who conduct what are commonly referred to as “verticals” which are systematic patrols throughout the school hallways, stairwells, restrooms, and common areas.
These patrols serve several important purposes. First and foremost, they help maintain a safe and orderly environment by ensuring students are where they are supposed to be during instructional time. Staff members also monitor overcrowding, unsafe behavior, and cleanliness throughout the building. In a facility of this size, consistent supervision is essential not only for school safety, but also for creating an environment where teaching and learning can remain the primary focus.
Movement throughout the building is managed through the use of SmartPass, the school’s digital hall pass system. Any student leaving a classroom, cafeteria, or assigned area must generate a SmartPass before traveling to another location. Whether a student is visiting the restroom, guidance office, library, or student lounge, a SmartPass is required at all times.
Staff members conducting hallway patrols routinely check to confirm that students have an active SmartPass. Students without a pass will receive a warning for a first offense. Repeated infraction result in restorative lunch reflection sessions focused on accountability and improved decision-making.
The SmartPass system plays a critical role in supporting both safety and instruction. It allows staff to identify students’ locations in real time and helps ensure accountability throughout the school day. The system also records how long students are out of class, providing administrators and teachers with valuable data that can help address attendance patterns, excessive time away from instruction, and student support needs.
By combining active building patrols with modern accountability tools like SmartPass, the High School of Fashion Industries continues to prioritize a culture of safety, structure, and academic focus, ensuring that every student has the opportunity to learn in a secure and supportive environment.