As soon as West Chicago Community High School got back from winter break on Jan. 6, students had to either scan their school ID before walking into the building or use the 5-Star app.
As a reminder, the school sent out a message the day before school resumed.
“Wildcats! Starting the 2nd semester, use the 5 Star App or your physical ID to scan into the building daily. Check your email for app details.”
The message was followed by an email from Head of Deans Jenna Windt, which included a reminder and instructions on how to download and use the 5-Star app.
“Wildcat Students,
Don’t forget that you will scan into the building every morning beginning the 2nd semester (January 6th).
If you haven’t already, please download the 5 Star Students App, so you’re ready!
Don’t have the app? Follow the directions on this Slide Deck!
Let us know if you have any questions,
Ms. Windt “
WEGO had been test-running the new system for a couple of days at Entrance One before winter break began.
The 5-Star app is designed to allow its users to access information such as their digital ID, participation points and school notifications with just a few taps on their device. As of right now, WCCHS has only made it clear that they intend to use the app for attendance purposes.
The app is used in the United States and Canada. Many surrounding schools have used the 5-Star system for years, such as Glenbard East, Batavia and Glenbard South. The new system is in place to keep track of those who are coming in and out of the building and to make sure students are not leaving and returning, which would mean they have missed classes.
“That helps us maintain and make sure that our kids are going to their classes, because at the end of the day, we want you guys in all your classes,” Dorian Carrasco, dean’s assistant at West Chicago Community High School, said. “That is the end goal — to get you guys to walk that stage.”
The app has a one-out-of-five-star rating on the App Store, which is not uncommon for educationally enforced apps such as Google Classroom, which has a two-out-of-five-star rating.
Aside from the app’s own website, there does not appear to be additional information on the owners of the app or the company behind it.
“I am NOT downloading that,” Aidan Ryan, a senior at WCCHS, said.
Many upperclassmen feel the same way.
“I lowkey think it’s dumb that I can use both the app and my physical ID,” Natalia Belllosa, a junior at WCCHS, said.
Nonetheless, since returning to WCCHS on Jan. 6, students have had to scan into the building through the 5-Star app or a physical ID.
“At the beginning, yes, we got a little pushback, but now that it has taken place, kids see the benefits,” Carrasco said.
Correction
Jan. 15, 2026
An earlier version of this article misspelled the name of the 5-Star app.
