If you have any questions, please feel free to submit them through Let’s Talk. 

Q: Can I bring a water gun to school?

According to the Code of Character, water guns or any other type of toy/imitation gun are prohibited and subject to the disciplinary process.

Q: What is not allowed in school?

You cannot bring any type of weapon, real or fake.  Weapons are guns, knives, pepper spray, brass knuckles, etc.  You also cannot bring any type of drug or illegal substance or any type of smoking or vaping device.  This would include alcohol, aerosol cans (see next question regarding deodorant), etc.

Q:  What if I bring deodorant in an aerosol can?

The aerosol can will likely create an alert.  A member of the safety team will check the item. Once the team member can verify that it is deodorant in the can, it will be allowed to remain in your bag. 

Q: How long is it  going to take to get into school?

Our goal is that the weapon screening system does not slow entry any more than the ID system.  While there will likely be some delays the first week as the system is launched, we expect the process to eventually be seamless and the delay minimal.    

Q: Are students going to be late to their classes because of the new entry process?

Passing through the system should not cause students to be late for class.  The pace should be similar to what it is now.  Students do not need to arrive at school any earlier than they do now. 

Q: Are the doors opening up sooner?

The schedule will not change.  We will continue opening the doors the way we do now.  Doors will be open from 8 - 8:30 a.m. at the Fine Arts Entrance. Doors will open at 8 a.m. and remain open all day at the E-wing entrance. Students who attend BOCES programs will still be allowed to enter the E-wing at 7 a.m. while waiting for their bus.

Q.  What happens if I forget my ID card?

Students should have their  ID with them at all times while on campus.  Upon arrival, all students will be required to show their school ID.  Students without an ID will be required to report to the E-Wing, Door 31 to obtain an ID before entering the high school.

Q: Does school have to start earlier or are they extending the periods?

School will not start earlier and there are no plans to adjust the schedule.

Q: What happens if the weapons system goes off when a student passes through?

The system is equipped with lights and sounds that alert when something passes through that should not.  We control how bright the lights are and how loud the sounds are and can make adjustments.  When an alert happens, it shows exactly where the item is that set the alert off.  We will then let the student know what the system is reporting, ask what they have in that specific area, and check to see what set the alert off.   Students may also be asked to check their pockets and walk through a second time. We may also use a wand to determine what is causing the alert.  There will be no “pat down” or “frisking.” The system is completely touch free.  Bags will pass through a separate scanner at the same time the student is passing through the screener.  The bag scanner will scan the contents of the bag.  If the device determines there is an unapproved item, it will alert the safety team to check the bag for that specific item. 

Q: What happens if you refuse to go through the system?

Every student must pass through the scanner to enter the school.  A refusal to follow the entry scanning procedures will result in a Code of Character violation with appropriate disciplinary action.  The system is to keep everyone safe.  Passing through the scanner is not optional.

Q: What if you have body jewelry? 

Body jewelry should not cause an alert with the system. If the alert goes off and the source cannot be determined by a wand, the student will be brought to a private location with an administrator for follow-up.

Q: Why are faculty and staff not required to walk through the screener as well?

The system was designed for the number of students and entrances we have.  Faculty and staff often arrive before our safety team is on site and can enter using their swiper,  through many different access points around the building.  There are a number of factors why faculty and staff will not be screened at this time.

Q: Why use Artificial Intelligence (AI)? How reliable is it?

AI is very reliable and used in almost every place that we go today.  AI can identify any item within a backpack by shape alone.  When AI “sees” an unapproved item, it will show it on the screen with a box around it which alerts the safety staff to check the bag for that specific item.  That is the only item the safety staff will be looking for in that bag.  The safety team member makes the final determination if that item was what AI identified as unapproved.  When a bag is checked by a member of the safety team it is known as a “secondary screening.”  Our goal is to have as few secondary screenings as possible.  But because of AI, we encourage students to put everything they are bringing into school in their backpack to speed up the process. 

Q: How does it detect drugs, weed, vape?

AI technology is largely based on shapes.  We are NOT screening for drugs but they remain unapproved items subject to the code of character.

Q: Do I really not get in trouble if I put something in the contraband box?

This depends on the item.  If the item is illegal (gun, brass knuckles, taser, etc.), the police will likely ask questions about where it came from.  All of our boxes are on camera.  Knives and vapes are not illegal in NY, so there will be no consequences for placing these items in the boxes and students will not be questioned about those items. We encourage students to place all unapproved items in the box before passing through the screener.

Q: Why doesn’t the weapons detection system just detect weapons? 

Vapes contain the same amount of metal as small knives, so it is not possible to look for one without the other.

Q:  Can I walk through the scanner with my cell phone?

Walking through with a cellphone in your hand or pocket is not recommended because it will often cause an alert which could cause a secondary or wand screening.  This will slow things down.  We are asking all students to put their cellphones in backpacks or on a tray before passing through.  Placing your phone in your backpack will protect it and decrease the chances of requiring a secondary screening. 

Q: What am I supposed to do when I have to walk home or get off the bus? I don’t feel safe which is why I might have a small weapon. 

Please talk to your counselor or a parent, guardian, caregiver, or adult at home about how to best deal with this situation.  If everyone carries a weapon to be safe, no one is safe. 

Q: How much weed can you detect?

We are not attempting to detect weed. 

If you have any questions, please feel free to submit them through Let’s Talk. 

Related Communications

Letter December 31 2024
Letter December 26 2024
Letter December 19 2024