Frederick Douglass High School is implementing the use of walk-through metal detectors. The equipment will be in place on Monday, May 14, 2018 so students can see the set up as they enter the building and begin the use of metal detector on Tuesday, May 15, 2018.
The addition of metal detectors to Frederick Douglass will require a change in several morning drop off procedures. Beginning Monday May 14, 2018:
- Students will no longer be able to enter the building through the cafeteria doors.
- Students who are dropped off between 7:20 and 7:40 a.m. will enter through the front entrance to the school.
- Bus riders will have two entrances to the building: one through the double doors near the bus loop and one through the double doors at the end of the athletic hallway near the weight room.
- Car riders, student drivers and walkers will enter the building through the double doors at the end of the fine arts wing.
- Special needs buses will continue to drop off at the front.
- Carter G. Woodson Academy middle school students will enter through the Carter G. Woodson main doors.
- After 8:25 a.m. everyone should enter the school through the main entrance. Anyone wishing to go beyond the secure vestibule will be searched with a handheld metal detector wand.
The set up will look very much like the metal detectors at Rupp Arena:
- As students enter the building, they will enter lines designated with stanchions like you see at the movie theater.
- Students will place any bags or purses on a table to be checked prior to walking through the metal detectors.
- Students will place keys, cell phones or other items from their pockets or hands into storage baskets.
- Students will walk through the metal detector and pick up their belongings on the other side.
All entrances will be monitored by teams of staff, including law enforcement officers and contracted safety ambassadors. FDHS staff anticipate possible delays on the first few days and will adjust accordingly.
It will help tremendously if students bring only those items necessary for school or extra-curricular activities with them. Those without backpacks or purses will not have to stand in line for bag checks and will be able to move more quickly through the metal detectors.
It is also important for everyone to be aware of the types of items that are not allowed at school, including over-the-counter medicine. You can help at home by regularly checking your child’s backpack. Please have a conversation with your student about the changes and remind them how important it is not to open exterior doors of the building for anyone.
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