School security tightened

As students returned from their Thanksgiving break their parents were informed of a new system being used district-wide that added a new level to the security at each of the buildings.

The Raptor Visitor Management System allows the schools to better screen visitors, contractors and volunteers at the various buildings.

A form of identification, such as a driver’s license, is scanned or manually entered into the system and Raptor will check to ensure no registered sex offenders are entering the premises without the school’s knowledge.

Raptor checks the national database based on name and birthdate, however, no other information is used, nor is it shared to any outside agencies.

Once the visitor is cleared through the Raptor system, a visitor’s badge is printed out that the visitor must wear during their time in the building.

The system has been in use for a couple of weeks now and things seem to be going well.

“The new security measures at TMS and the high school are going smoothly,” principal Breez Daniels said. “Parents have been very patient about learning how to activate the doors and sign in.

“The school district technology crew has been fabulous in their work to set up the doors and the new sign in system. Our secretaries and front office staff have worked hard to learn how the new systems work and walk student, parents and community members through the first time use.

“Overall, everyone has been very patient and understanding.”

The parents at Ralph Witters Elementary have been patient as well according to principal Catelyn Deromedi.

“The system is up and running,” she said. “We appreciate the parent and community support we have been receiving as the new security measures are implemented. Safety and security of the students is the goal.

“With every system there will be bumps, but we appreciate the understanding of the community as we work through them.”