The following letter has been emailed to SHS parents. If you did not receive this letter by email, please check to make sure that we have the correct email on file for you.
Dear Schenectady High School Families,
The safety and well-being of our students, staff, and visitors remain a top priority for the Schenectady City School District. As part of our ongoing efforts to enhance security, the SCSD Board of Education recently approved the installation of weapon screening systems in our schools. This technology will serve as an additional layer of protection to ensure a safe and secure learning environment.
We are pleased to announce that implementation of this safety measure will begin at Schenectady High School shortly after the holiday recess. Students will return from holiday break on January 2. The district will install MIS Security’s RONIN Weapons Detection Systems with Linev xray bag scanners on January 2 and 3, upon our return from the holiday recess. Training will be provided to our school safety staff during this time.
The system will be operational the following week on Monday, January 6, 2025. During the first two days, we will have a “soft implementation” period to help students and staff adjust to the new process. Full implementation will begin on Wednesday, January 8, 2025.
In preparation, we will share more detailed information with families, including short video clips to help students understand what to expect. The system includes both a walk-through scanner and a bag scanner, equipped with sensors designed to detect weapons and other prohibited items.
To help students prepare:
A list of prohibited items will be provided in advance, along with guidelines on what items should remain in students’ bags.
An “unapproved/not allowed” box will be available near the entry point. Students are encouraged to discard prohibited items in this box before proceeding through the system.
While students will momentarily be separated from their belongings as they pass through the scanner, the process will be quick and seamless. At no point will backpacks or other items be left unattended.
It is important to note that any unauthorized items detected during the screening process will be considered a violation of the Code of Character, Conduct, and Support.
Here’s how the process will work:
Students will pass through the scanner in real-time. If an item triggers an alert, the system will indicate its location.A trained member of the safety team will inspect the specific area identified by the system. Upon arrival, students will be required to show their school ID. Students without an ID must report to E-Wing, Door 31 to obtain one before entering the building.
We are committed to ensuring this process is as smooth as possible for everyone involved. Additional information and reminders will be shared between now and January.
If you have any questions, please feel free to submit them through Let’s Talk.
We appreciate your support as we work together to create a safer school environment for all.