1st Day of Metal Detectors

[Anonymous]

South Lakes had the first day of metal detectors. The lines were really long because students had to basically go through them TSA style. It wasn’t until about 30 minutes into the first class period of the day that everyone finally made it through. Some kids had IB testing today.

Has anyone else experienced this at their high school? Why would the principal do this during SOL/IB testing season. And is this even sustainable? 2500 kids through 4 lanes where they had to unload laptops and 3 ring binders before walking through. Then pack back up before heading to class. SMH.

[Anonymous]

Our son is at Edison and it was very slow in the beginning during the pilot and first few days of the permanent rollout but he says it’s much faster now. Just a learning curve for all.

[Anonymous]

The Principals dont have total control over it. It's being mandated to them by higher up. The timing with testing stinks. I work at Edison, the process has smoothed out over the last couple of weeks. I believe our Principal was told it's happening about 24 hrs before it all showed up

[Anonymous]

Just like at TJ Maxx, soon everyone will just be waived through even if the sensors activate or if the school is short-staffed, there’s a malfunction, etc.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:The Principals dont have total control over it. It's being mandated to them by higher up. The timing with testing stinks. I work at Edison, the process has smoothed out over the last couple of weeks. I believe our Principal was told it's happening about 24 hrs before it all showed up

OP. I feel for them then. What a disruption during the testing season.

[Anonymous]

They need to implement Global Entry. Most kids aren’t a problem and should be able to come in without screening.

[Anonymous]

It’s a necessity nowadays. Sorry.

[Anonymous]

Are they rolling out metal detectors at all high schools in Fairfax County or just select ones? Is it only for HS or are there plans for MS?

[Anonymous]

Took my student 30 minutes to get in the building yesterday, and she had an IB test first period.

[Anonymous]

It will be at all High Schools starting next year at the beginning of the day.

The detectors will pick up a large metal object (like a laptop or a gun). They will not pick up a weapon the size of the knife that was used in the recent stabbing.

They will require at least two staff members to monitor them. Not answer yet on whether they will use them for students who enter the building outside of the beginning of school.

Yes, this is entirely security theater. Expensive security theater.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:They need to implement Global Entry. Most kids aren’t a problem and should be able to come in without screening.

+1

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Just like at TJ Maxx, soon everyone will just be waived through even if the sensors activate or if the school is short-staffed, there’s a malfunction, etc.

Yes, this is where every high school will be within two weeks of the start of school.

[Anonymous]

For a those who have experimaced it at your school, what happens if a child sets off the alarm?

Do they do a patdown??? My child attend Langley and we had two sex predators arrested this year.

[Anonymous]

Nothing fills me with rage more than fake security theater like this.

Any kid who wants to get a weapon in the building can easily do so.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Nothing fills me with rage more than fake security theater like this.

Any kid who wants to get a weapon in the building can easily do so.

I don’t get why this bothers you so much. If it helps even a little bit I’m all for it.