Elementary School Security

[HLAuburn]

I have a 1st grader who attends a public elementary school. My 3 year old has speech therapy at the same school twice a week in the afternoons. Her speech teacher picks her up in the front lobby and I wait in the lobby for the 30 minutes she's in speech.

The rule for everyone entering the building is that you check in at the front office, show ID, and get a visitor sticker. The office is right as you walk in the front doors, but the office doors are usually closed. During the time I sit there, I've noticed a lot of adults (parents) who bypass the office and just walk right into the school.

Since I'm there at the end of the day, I think most (if not all) of them are parents who wait at the end of the main classroom hall (NOT the lobby) to "intercept" their kids and walk them out to the car (also to avoid the long carpool line). And maybe they do this every day and no one's called them on it, but all it would take was one wrong person getting in and it's a news story.

Another mom who was there for speech but doesn't have older children made a comment about all the people walking right in, so I paid closer attention today and it really does seem out of control. I really don't want to be "that parent", but when it comes to safety of elementary school kids, I don't think it's too much to expect that everyone should follow the rules.

The school is in a nice, upscale beach area (we don't live there ) and I think the parents have a false sense of security that nothing could ever happen at their school. But the school is in a mostly commercial area off a very busy highway, so everything's going to be fine until it isn't.

Am I being unreasonable?

 

[DisneyLoverUSA]

My kid's school has the same policy of what you are suppose to do when you come into the building but we also have tons of parents who walk right in and go intercept their kids to avoid waiting in the long carpool line. The school tried to crack down on it by keeping the school doors locked and you had to be LET IN to come into the school and advising parents they can no longer come in and intercept the kids. It didn't work. Parents started just going around to the side doors and back doors and kept on sneaking into the school to get the kids so the school admin just gave up and now they let whoever wants to into the school to get their kid. It's NOT safe, at all. Anybody can walk in there and take any kid they want to and nobody knows who is and isn't authorized to get certain kids. But our school isn't doing anything about it.

 

[HLAuburn]

My kid's school has the same policy of what you are suppose to do when you come into the building but we also have tons of parents who walk right in and go intercept their kids to avoid waiting in the long carpool line. The school tried to crack down on it by keeping the school doors locked and you had to be LET IN to come into the school and advising parents they can no longer come in and intercept the kids. It didn't work. Parents started just going around to the side doors and back doors and kept on sneaking into the school to get the kids so the school admin just gave up and now they let whoever wants to into the school to get their kid. It's NOT safe, at all. Anybody can walk in there and take any kid they want to and nobody knows who is and isn't authorized to get certain kids. But our school isn't doing anything about it.

Wow, that's even more unsettling that the school is aware of the problem and just let it go because they can't enforce their own rules. People aren't going to be open to change, especially if it inconveniences them (heaven forbid) and I know there might be some upset parents, but I think if the school sticks to their guns, eventually the problem will solve itself.

I spoke with an assitant principal of a middle school who had a similar problem. They started enforcing the rules at the beginning of a new school year and although they had some people complain and try to bypass the rules, they had their security officer "warn" them and within a few months (and still now), it's no longer an issue.

 

[laughinplace199]

At our school, all doors are locked and someone in the office has to let you in, then you go right to the office and sign in and get a visitor badge. It's been like this for several years and there haven't been any issues with it.

OP, I would be concerned and would try to find a nice, polite way to express my concerns to the principal. He/she may have no idea what's going on.

 

[smitch425]

I have a 1st grader who attends a public elementary school. My 3 year old has speech therapy at the same school twice a week in the afternoons. Her speech teacher picks her up in the front lobby and I wait in the lobby for the 30 minutes she's in speech.

The rule for everyone entering the building is that you check in at the front office, show ID, and get a visitor sticker. The office is right as you walk in the front doors, but the office doors are usually closed. During the time I sit there, I've noticed a lot of adults (parents) who bypass the office and just walk right into the school.

Since I'm there at the end of the day, I think most (if not all) of them are parents who wait at the end of the main classroom hall (NOT the lobby) to "intercept" their kids and walk them out to the car (also to avoid the long carpool line). And maybe they do this every day and no one's called them on it, but all it would take was one wrong person getting in and it's a news story.

Another mom who was there for speech but doesn't have older children made a comment about all the people walking right in, so I paid closer attention today and it really does seem out of control. I really don't want to be "that parent", but when it comes to safety of elementary school kids, I don't think it's too much to expect that everyone should follow the rules.

The school is in a nice, upscale beach area (we don't live there ) and I think the parents have a false sense of security that nothing could ever happen at their school. But the school is in a mostly commercial area off a very busy highway, so everything's going to be fine until it isn't.

Am I being unreasonable?

I would definitely say something to the principal or at least the secretary at the front desk of the office. At my kids' school, you cannot enter any of the hallways without being buzzed in by someone in the office. We have to sign in there and then they push the button until the hallway door unlocks. Once you go through the door, it immediately shuts and relocks. Our school is very secure. They have two playgrounds on different sides of the school, too. One is for k-2 and the other is 3-5. My guess is they are wanting to keep the older kids from the younger kids to protect them from any form of bullying or improper behavior.

 

[luvmy3]

Well yes I think everyone should follow the rules, but it doesn't surprise me that some don't. We have basically the same policy but we also have a woman sitting outside the office that will stop you if you try to by-pass her without signing in either at her desk or inside the office.

 

[Janepod]

Anything can happen anywhere. We received notice recently that it was important to abide by the elementary school rules (similar to yours, except all pickups must be done outside and can only be done if you sent a note in in the morning with your kid - complicated) because of an ongoing custody dispute in one family. I guess they were worried about the noncustodial parent coming to take the child. THAT is something that could happen ANYWHERE.

 

[Help Please!]

This is really sort of funny to me, because the old school I taught at was surrounded by tall fences and completely locked down.

My current school? No fence, all open hallways! People are SUPPOSED to check in at the front office, but to be completely honest, anyone could walk to any classroom at any time. We're supposed to keep our doors locked.

Just so interesting how things can be so different...

 

[Shanna-like-Banana]

I really don't want to be "that parent", but when it comes to safety of elementary school kids, I don't think it's too much to expect that everyone should follow the rules.

Am I being unreasonable?

My advice:

Be "that parent" not only for your child, but for mine too !

If you as a parent can identify a problem with your childs school : TELL them

There is no acceptable reason anybody can/could freely walk into the school w/o checking in, or passing through the office.

I am a Sub and I work in all different schools offices all the time. I couldn't even count how many times I've hear " Is this new ? , we've never had to do this before, why do you need my ID ?"

Well, um, because I follow the rules. You might be friends with front desk Sally, but you're not with me. I work for the school disctrict not for ABC school and I must adhere to the safety policy ! I don't say sorry, I don't apologize, the rules are the rules, PERIOD.

No, you are not being unreasonable what-so-ever.

There are so many sick and twisted people that can flip on a dime and God knows I don't want to be the person who didn't question them upon entering the school.

If you have no resolve, get other parents involved. You can always bring it to the attention to the school board.

Now, that being said, please make sure you mind your Q's and P's when going about it

 

[MM27]

I teach in an urban area. All doors are locked at all times and all visitors must enter through the front door. The secretary has to buzz people in and they are to report directly to the main office where they sign in with her after providing a driver's license or other state issued ID. They put the information into their computer system so they know exactly who was in the building and when they were there. We've had parents try to bypass the office, but our security guard will chase you down and tackle you if he needs to

 

[HLAuburn]

I teach in an urban area. All doors are locked at all times and all visitors must enter through the front door. The secretary has to buzz people in and they are to report directly to the main office where they sign in with her after providing a driver's license or other state issued ID. They put the information into their computer system so they know exactly who was in the building and when they were there. We've had parents try to bypass the office, but our security guard will chase you down and tackle you if he needs to

That sounds like the way it should be done. And if the school isn't able to buzz everyone in, they should have a desk in the lobby that is manned at all times and everyone should have to check in there...no exceptions.

On Tuesday when I go again, I am going to watch very carefully to make sure I know exactly what's going on and then I need to decide who I should talk to about it.

Thanks for all the replies!

 

[scrapquitler]

I have a 1st grader who attends a public elementary school. My 3 year old has speech therapy at the same school twice a week in the afternoons. Her speech teacher picks her up in the front lobby and I wait in the lobby for the 30 minutes she's in speech.

The rule for everyone entering the building is that you check in at the front office, show ID, and get a visitor sticker. The office is right as you walk in the front doors, but the office doors are usually closed. During the time I sit there, I've noticed a lot of adults (parents) who bypass the office and just walk right into the school.

Since I'm there at the end of the day, I think most (if not all) of them are parents who wait at the end of the main classroom hall (NOT the lobby) to "intercept" their kids and walk them out to the car (also to avoid the long carpool line). And maybe they do this every day and no one's called them on it, but all it would take was one wrong person getting in and it's a news story.

Another mom who was there for speech but doesn't have older children made a comment about all the people walking right in, so I paid closer attention today and it really does seem out of control. I really don't want to be "that parent", but when it comes to safety of elementary school kids, I don't think it's too much to expect that everyone should follow the rules.

The school is in a nice, upscale beach area (we don't live there ) and I think the parents have a false sense of security that nothing could ever happen at their school. But the school is in a mostly commercial area off a very busy highway, so everything's going to be fine until it isn't.

Am I being unreasonable?

Every one of our local schools has a paid "Greeter" (they are a paraprofessional and part of that union) who sits at a desk by the entrance every day to make sure that everyone coming into the building signs in and gets a pass. This frees up the secretary to do her job. It works pretty well, and if a parent wants to come in close to dismissal time, he/she must stay in the lobby, they aren't allowed down the hall at all.

All the other doors to the building are locked all the time (they will open from the inside, but not from the outside).

 

[Charade]

Interesting topic in general. In the 30 years I've worked for my company, I've only had colleges as customers and can usually just walk to where I need to go. About a year ago they switched me to a different product line and now I go to schools on a regular basis (elem, middle and high). Every school I've been to has a buzzer and/or video camera at the front door. I have to announce myself "Hi, this is ABC service) and they let me in. I go to the front office and they tell me where the machine is located and off I go. Only few times did someone escort me because the location was locked. I don't think I've EVER once been asked for ID (either my DL or company ID). Sometimes (rarely) I get a sticker and if I don't I usually display my company ID. I've NEVER been challenged by an adult.

So... who needs an extra 8 year old?

 

[MolonLabe]

I have a 1st grader who attends a public elementary school. My 3 year old has speech therapy at the same school twice a week in the afternoons. Her speech teacher picks her up in the front lobby and I wait in the lobby for the 30 minutes she's in speech.

The rule for everyone entering the building is that you check in at the front office, show ID, and get a visitor sticker. The office is right as you walk in the front doors, but the office doors are usually closed. During the time I sit there, I've noticed a lot of adults (parents) who bypass the office and just walk right into the school.

Since I'm there at the end of the day, I think most (if not all) of them are parents who wait at the end of the main classroom hall (NOT the lobby) to "intercept" their kids and walk them out to the car (also to avoid the long carpool line). And maybe they do this every day and no one's called them on it, but all it would take was one wrong person getting in and it's a news story.

Another mom who was there for speech but doesn't have older children made a comment about all the people walking right in, so I paid closer attention today and it really does seem out of control. I really don't want to be "that parent", but when it comes to safety of elementary school kids, I don't think it's too much to expect that everyone should follow the rules.

The school is in a nice, upscale beach area (we don't live there ) and I think the parents have a false sense of security that nothing could ever happen at their school. But the school is in a mostly commercial area off a very busy highway, so everything's going to be fine until it isn't.

Am I being unreasonable?

I would say illogical as opposed to unreasonable.

Would someone bent on doing harm actually stop and get a visitor ID in the first place? I hate to laugh, but it's quite silly when you think about it. It's like posting a "no guns" sign and then wondering why a criminal would be worried about violating the no gun sign as opposed to violating the no murder law.

At dismissal time there is no way around it. That's the simple fact.

At my daughters elementary school it's the same way close to dismissal time. You are supposed to wait in the lobby and if you start to wander, most times you'll be asked to return to the lobby, but it's not fool proof.

You bring up an interesting point we should visit further.... 'security'...

Even during the day, so the door is locked and you have to get buzzed in. I've had to drop off a lunch or pick my daughter up early, so I've experienced the 'buzz in'. Ok... then what? The lady at the reception desk is going to do what exactly? Call the cops when you don't stop for your badge... yeah, all she has is a phone and possibly a walkie talkie for school security.

How is that any different than if the door wasn't locked? I'm not advocating unlocked doors during school hours, not at all. My point is to get the wheels turning and realize a locked door is feeling of security, it actually doesn't provide any real security. At least not in the way you understand it.

Security is a FEELING. It isn't something tangible. Some people feel good when they see a 90 year old guy wearing a hat that says security or they walk thru a radiation device at the airport as opposed to tried and true systems like metal detectors and explosive sniffing detection systems.

Those feelings are rarely based in reality. They are based on emotion as opposed to science or logic.

Not saying we shouldn't take reasonable measures or precautions, it's just that emotion based responses do little to nothing to reach the purported end goal.

 

[Coconut36]

Same rule applies at all the public schools I know around here. I know the two districts (my Mom's and DH's) well enough to know that the schools within them are construct so that you are unable to enter campus without going through the office. They are gated and gates are required to be locked during school hours. Anyone entering would have to walk past the office staff to get onto campus. At my Mom's school the door into the school (all indoor classrooms..meaning they open to hallways not outside) has to be opened by office staff..you can't just walk in. At most of the schools in my DH's district you have to pass through a half door in the office (and go past 5 or more office workers and the nurse) that can be locked but is generally unlocked. In those schools it is possible but very unlikely they would be able to enter unnoticed by office staff and they are in general very very big sticklers for signing in and checking IDs.

No I don't think you are unreasonable to be concerned that they are not taking safety and security seriously. Yes someone intent on serious harm is not going to be put off by a sign in process but on the same note someone else could target that school knowing how lax security is vs another school where it isn't. One of the issues that can arise (not relevant to you but should be to the school) are family kidnappings/custody disputes. Parents or family who are not allowed to be near the child waltzing on campus and walking off with the kid.

I would ask to speak to the Principal and express my concern regarding the safety..I don't think it makes you "that parent" at all. If the Principal seems unreceptive/unconcerned I would likely move up the ladder and express my feelings on it.

 

[bumbershoot]

I really don't want to be "that parent"...

I'm not sure that a safety issue, parents not following the rules (that I'm sure they want followed by other people), makes you "that" parent. Speak up.

Would someone bent on doing harm actually stop and get a visitor ID in the first place?....

Those rules mean that if you don't have a sticker, you are a BAD GUY, and they can call the police. With the way it is now, with some people signing in and others not, no one knows. If it were followed, and someone ran in through the doors and didn't stop, it's simple. Police get called.

No guns sign allow another charge to get put on someone who does something with a gun. IF no one is supposed to have one, the person that does have one is a bad guy, no question about it.



But all this is so odd for this California girl, since all of my schools through 12th were outdoor corridor, no fences, no gates except in HS at the driveways once the campus closed...

 

[torinsmom]

The school I teach at(PK-5) started the buzzer system last year. The front doors are locked from 15 minutes after school starts until 15 minutes before it ends. Unless you have a key, you have to be buzzed in, then you have to sign in at a computer beside the office. Our parents complain, but it is for security, not to keep them out. The back door to the school is open, but there is a tall chain link fence with a locked gate around that back part of the school. It really does make me feel safer now that we have the front doors locked.

I have never encountered a locked front door at my son's high school. The rest of the doors are locked, but not the main one. The office is right there, but I worry more about a crazy coming in than a parent. I don't think they would agree to sign in.

 

[mjkacmom]

The doors are open? At our elementary schools and JH, you have to be buzzed in at one door (HS has all doors open, but they have 4 periods of open lunch). In elementary, at the end of the day, the teacher walks them to their door, and parents wait outside to pick them up (or they walk home, like my kids). There are no visitor badges, because there is no need to visit. If you need to drop something off to your child, or pick up your child early, you get buzzed in, and go to the office.

 

[torinsmom]

The doors are open? At our elementary schools and JH, you have to be buzzed in at one door (HS has all doors open, but they have 4 periods of open lunch). In elementary, at the end of the day, the teacher walks them to their door, and parents wait outside to pick them up (or they walk home, like my kids). There are no visitor badges, because there is no need to visit. If you need to drop something off to your child, or pick up your child early, you get buzzed in, and go to the office.

Do you not have classroom volunteers, gardening volunteers, parents coming for lunch, etc? There are always parents in our building, and we also have volunteers from the local universities that come in to tutor kids who need either a badge or a sticker. We also have parent tours come through and all those need a sticker. We have been told that if someone does not have a sticker we are to send them back for one. If we don't recognize the person with no sticker, we are to call the office, and they handle it. Sometimes a parent will walk their child down when they are tardy and NOT get a sticker, but in that case, it is kind of pointless to sen them back when they are leaving.

 

[mjkacmom]

Do you not have classroom volunteers, gardening volunteers, parents coming for lunch, etc? There are always parents in our building, and we also have volunteers from the local universities that come in to tutor kids who need either a badge or a sticker. We also have parent tours come through and all those need a sticker. We have been told that if someone does not have a sticker we are to send them back for one. If we don't recognize the person with no sticker, we are to call the office, and they handle it. Sometimes a parent will walk their child down when they are tardy and NOT get a sticker, but in that case, it is kind of pointless to sen them back when they are leaving.

Nope - no parent volunteers, no parents coming for lunch (kids can go home - the last thing they need is more people at lunch!), and I don't know what gardening volunteers do, but our town keeps up the property, and there is a gardening club for the kids. If a child needs extra help, there are plenty of paid staff to help. Our taxes are high, and our government spends freely.