Jordan's Hall-Walking Problem

When the bell rings for fourth period, freshman V.I. keeps walking and not to class. Some students linger in school corridors and others leave school entirely. Skipping has become a noticeable trend at JHS raising concerns about safety, attendance, and lost instructional time.  

Often referred to as "hallwalkers," some students stay inside the building while others leave campus altogether. Interviews with counselors, teachers, administrators and said hallwalkers reveal differing views on the root causes of skipping and its impact on not only students but the school environment as a whole. 

School staff say that skipping is a noticeable issue. "Yes, way too much,” said Ms. Moore-Sloan, a social studies teacher. Teachers also report academic consequences with Moore-Sloan noting that skipping often leads to “A drop in their grades.”

Assistant Principal Ms. Ruby also emphasized that most students are attending class as expected. “We have 2,200 students, well over 90% are doing exactly what they need to do,” she highlighted. 

Still administrators point out concerns about safety and missed instruction.”Bad things happen when you're out of place…our concern is a safety concern first,” said Assistant Principal Ms. Nelson. 

“They don't like the teacher, they don't like school, they don't like the class, it's boring I would say those are the most common reasons,” said lead guidance counselor Ms. Howard, referring to common reasons given by students when asked about skipping. She added that students rarely skip alone, often doing so with friends or because of peer pressure and influence. 

Students said skipping is influenced by both personal choice and classroom experience. Freshman C.S. said they skip “about once a month,” often when there is a substitute teacher, while Freshman V.I. reported skipping at least once a week. “I don't feel like going to class; if I don't like the teacher,” said V.I. Students pointed out a lack of engagement, with one explaining they skip classes where they feel they are not learning or participating. 

Some students skip by leaving the JHS campus, sometimes going to nearby places like Menchie’s, the gas station, the park across the street from Jordan and Harris Teeter, according to student interviews. Many skip with friends though not everyone feels pressured to do so. “I don’t feel pressured,” C.S. added, while V.I. admitted they might skip “if my friends beg,” even in classes they enjoy. 

Both students, staff and counselors emphasized the importance of engagement and relationships. “If my first {period} teacher was nicer and didn't pile work on us and if my fourth {period} teacher would learn my name,” said V.I. when asked about what would make them attend their classes.

 “Class avoidance is a big one,” Ms. Ruby said, highlighting that key influences include comfort, engagement and teacher relationships. Ms. Howard pointed out that skipping is often a combination of academic struggles, boredom, personal issues and peer pressure.

Skipping varies throughout the day, with lunch periods being the most common time, due to some students attending more than one lunch or leaving campus entirely. While hallwalkers remain under school supervision, off campus raises greater concerns. “When you're not on campus you're putting yourself at risk,” Ms. Nelson said.