Dear members of the GF Nation community,
As a followup to last week’s community meeting, Superintendent Dengler would like to provide an update on our progress towards growing the culture of safety at Glens Falls City Schools.
Morning bag checks at GFHS & GFMS:
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Where we are: Beginning on 9/15, we instituted backpack checks for all students upon arrival in the morning. To balance concerns of missing academic time, line backups, and large-group congregations, we shifted to frequent, randomized bag checks plus randomized locker checks during the day. Each building has an internal randomization system to prevent unintentional bias towards any student.
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Where we’re going: The district leadership team is considering an advanced walk-through concealed weapons detection system that scans for the shape of weapons and individual firearm components. Unlike traditional metal detectors or wands, the system can distinguish between threats and everyday items like a cellphone, coins or keys. Students and adults would simply walk through upon entry to the HS/MS building. Discussions will continue with the Safety Council and Board of Education.
Secure visitor entry system at all schools:
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Where we are: This summer, the district purchased the Raptor Visitor Management system for all five school buildings. This system scans visitors’ drivers licenses when they enter a building, performs an instant sex offender check, and verifies visitors’ identities before they are allowed to proceed into school. The shipment was delayed, but arrived on Monday and has been installed at BC, JH, KRS, GFMS, and GFHS.
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Where we’re going: All visitors to each school building (beyond dropping off forgotten items for students or handling quick questions in the secure vestibule) will now need to scan their identification before being allowed to enter. Visitors will receive a printed badge with their photo and details of the visit. All teachers and staff can now clearly identify each individual and their purpose. Administrators will receive alerts if the instant check flags a potential visitor.
Partnerships with law enforcement, and additional security:
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Where we are: School Resource Officer John Norton has been an integral team member before, during, and after our recent incidents at the MS/HS. After filling assistant principal positions in the HS and MS this summer, it was planned that SRO Norton would have more presence at the elementary buildings this school year. Adding a new School Security Officer position at the High School was also discussed over the summer. On-campus signal strength for the SRO’s police radio was identified as an area of concern in June, following the district-wide security review from ArmouredOne.
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Where we’re going: SRO Norton and additional GFPD officers are now routinely dropping into each elementary school for walk-throughs, so don’t be surprised when you see their patrol cars parked out front! Purchase of a signal repeater for police radios has been agreed to and is underway. The job posting for the School Security Officer position is now active and accepting applicants. District leadership is considering the possibility of adding another School Resource Officer for Glens Falls City Schools. Discussions will continue with the Safety Council and Board of Education.
Movement on additional items:
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Superintendent’s Student Cabinet: 14 High School students have joined the Superintendent’s Student Cabinet, and the group’s first meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, 9/28.
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District Level Safety Committee: Being enhanced to include representatives from the Board of Education, parents, students, administrators, teachers and school staff. Agenda items may include reviewing annual district safety plan, creating and implementing various safety campaigns.
I have been encouraged by the level of support and involvement of parents, guardians, students, and staff members to advance our culture of safety. Please continue to reach out, join your building’s Parent Teacher Association, and support our students at every level. (And I hope to see you at the Jug Game tomorrow!)
Sincerely,