NO SCHOOL: Thanksgiving Recess 11/26-11/28
Over the past several weeks, we have shared information about new walk-through and bag scanners that will be installed at Albany High, as well as presentations to answer questions and address concerns.
We appreciate your support and partnership as we continue to work together to ensure a positive and safe learning environment for everyone in our school community.
After receiving your feedback, we have updated our timeline of the rollout to Wednesday, Dec. 10.
Please note, preparation of the equipment will begin on site on Monday, Dec. 8, with final set-up and installation of the new walk-through and bag scanners happening after school hours on Tuesday, Dec. 9. During these two days, our current security screening procedures will continue without interruption. Again, the new procedures (outlined below) will not begin until Wednesday, Dec. 10.
What students can expect at morning entry:
- When students prepare to pass through security at morning entry, they should ensure all items are in their backpack. Nothing should be in students’ pockets. If a student does not have a backpack, a tray for their personal items will be provided.
- Students will place their bag on the screening belt and then walk through the scanners.
- If the walk-through scanner beeps when a student walks through, a member of the security team will use a hand scanner to ensure the student can be cleared to enter the building.
- While students will momentarily be separated from their belongings as they pass through the bag scanner, the process will be quick and seamless. At no point will backpacks or other items be left unattended.
- Bags will only be searched by hand if the bag scanner detects an item that requires a secondary search.
Additional details:
Our security team has completed training for this new system, and representatives from the manufacturer will work alongside our security staff to provide in-person support and training as the new systems are launched.
Please note that initially it will take a little longer for students to pass through security during morning entry as we all acclimate to these new, enhanced security procedures. We continue to encourage students to arrive between 8-8:15 a.m. to help diminish lines and prevent delays in arrival to first-period classes.
For additional details about the rationale for enhanced safety technology, the research that was conducted prior to purchasing the new equipment, the benefits of our planned upgrades and frequently asked questions, please review this Google Slides presentation that was shared at the public forum on Thursday, Nov. 13.
We strongly believe these upgrades will enhance safety for students, employees and visitors while also improving efficiency at morning entry. The technology provides quicker and more accurate screening, as well as greater privacy since it greatly reduces the necessity for manual checks.