A new security checkpoint on the lower level of the school is nearing completion as part of a broader effort to streamline safety procedures and separate student and visitor traffic.

“It’s a lower security vestibule, similar to the upper one we already have,” Dr. Roberts said.

This change reflects a shift in how the school manages access, with clearly designated entrances for students and adults to reduce overlap and increase safety and organization.

“We sent out information this summer explaining that the downstairs will be the student entrance, and the upstairs will be for adults,” Roberts said. 

While the security procedure isn’t necessarily new, it will be more heavily enforced and monitored. Another high school in the district has already implemented the approach.

“We’ve heard positive feedback from CT, and it makes sense to implement the same thing here,” Roberts said. “We started discussing it about two years ago.”

Dr. Roberts was hopeful the construction could be done for the first day of school this year, however delays have kept the project from launching on schedule. Nonetheless, some aspects are already in motion, including the reassignment of security. 

“There will be a guard at every entrance, both upstairs and downstairs, to ensure security at all times,” Roberts said. “We’ve closed off all other entrances, so the only way in is with a key card or [through] security personnel at the doors.”

At a press conference held on Friday, September 5th, many students held questions regarding the amount of exits and its effect on hallway dynamics. 

“[I hear concerns regarding] hallway traffic because we’re funneling [students into] such a few exits, but it doesn’t change how kids come in and out of the building, you know. I don’t think it’ll affect students that much.” 

Food deliveries will also follow the same procedure as the upstairs entry in order to simplify logistics and make sure no unauthorized adults enter the building. Factors like food delivery, parent visitors, and hallway congestion are all taken into consideration- however, the largest say on school safety lies with the District. 

“District security comes and does a sweep every once in a while just to see where we might be vulnerable. They did notice that we’re not really using security personnel as well as we could- it’s so much better if we have them up and about as opposed to just sitting,” Dr. Roberts said. 

Both the new secure vestibule and the West Doors closing were a result of security sweeps made recently. Plans to install additional security cameras and check current ones are also in place to maximize security. 

“We’re never done thinking about safety. So anytime, sadly, that a tragedy happens, we see if we’re also vulnerable to something similar,” said Dr. Roberts.