PULASKI COUNTY, Va. (WDBJ) – Students at Pulaski County High School and Middle School are getting used to a new routine as soon as they enter the building.
The school district implemented new weapons detection systems about a week ago, adding an extra layer of protection and comfort for staff and students.
“I definitely feel safer; it prevents people from bringing in bad things in school and it definitely makes me feel more at ease when I’m at school learning,” said Kingston McKinnon, a 9th grade student.
When a student walks through the door and into the detection system, high-tech tablets called “alert tablets” are able to locate the objects in their backpacks and pockets, alerting staff members to check them.
The system can detect weapons and other things not allowed in schools, but it also detects things that are allowed, like umbrellas, curling irons, eyeglass cases, and other things made with metal.
“We have what we call pass-through tables, so your Chromebook, band instruments, binders, those go through a quick hand-check at the table, while the student walks all of their bags through the system,” said Jennifer Bolling, the principal at Pulaski County High School.
One reason for the new safety measure comes in light of threats that led schools to close for a few days at the start of the school year.
Superintendent Robert Graham says making sure everyone feels safe is the top priority.
“You can focus on learning and you can focus on being with your friends or you can focus on those areas that you want to when you’re in school, rather than worrying about somebody having a gun or somebody having a weapon,” said Graham.
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