Mars Area Centennial School implements metal detectors
As fifth- and sixth-grade students returned to Mars Area Centennial School on Wednesday, Aug. 23, for the first day of classes, they walked through metal detectors.
Students at the school and all visitors are now required to pass through metal detectors and follow additional new safety protocols upon arriving at school this year, the district said in a news release.
The move follows a comprehensive evaluation of the school’s safety plan last year after an incident involving a firearm at a high school basketball game. Students in seventh through 12th grades already had been required to pass through metal detectors at the high school building.
“These new protocols are in place to further ensure the safety and security of all Mars Area Centennial School students and staff,“ the news release stated.
The district did not immediately return a request for further comment Wednesday.
The evaluation process worked with local responders, state-level security consultants, and internal safety and security personnel to “review and make any necessary changes to current protocols in order to maximize our security efforts for students, staff and community members,” according to a February letter following the incident.
Starting Wednesday, bus riders enter the building through the cafeteria entrance, where they will walk through metal detectors and submit to a bag search by school personnel.
Students, who are dropped off by a parent or guardian, will follow a similar procedure at the school’s parent drop-off entrance.
Any student arriving after 9 a.m. will need to enter via the main doors and pass through a metal detector and submit to a bag search.
All visitors will enter the building through the main office and will not be able to enter with bags or other items. Only small purses, diaper bags and medical bags are permitted. Visitors carrying a bag will be asked to return the item to their vehicles.
