A Message from the Superintendent on Enhanced School Entry Procedures

Dear APS Staff and Families,

As part of a layered approach to school security, the APS Office of Safety, Security and Emergency Management (SSEM) has invested in a wide range of safety and security improvements. Recent improvements have included new security vestibules at all school entrances, student ID checks at high schools, refinement of security procedures, and emergency management training at schools and APS facilities. We have also hired additional School Security Coordinators to provide additional coverage during evening hours.

The next phase of our plan is to focus our efforts on school entry protocols at the high school level, as well as for visitors at elementary and middle schools:

High School Entry Procedures
These new procedures will be in place at Wakefield, Washington-Liberty and Yorktown high schools, and the Arlington Career Center.

• A School Security Coordinator will be stationed inside the main entry vestibule at all high schools to support visitors as they enter.
• All visitors, volunteers, and contractors must present a valid government-issued photo identification upon arrival.
• All visitors will be required to check in with front office staff before entering the building.

This process will help us ensure that we know who is inside our school and further strengthen our access control procedures.

Elementary and Middle Schools Entry Procedures

• All visitors, volunteers, and contractors must present a valid government-issued photo identification upon arrival and may be asked to show their identification on the screen prior to entering the building.
• All visitors must check in with a valid photo identification with front office staff before entering the building.

The safety of our students and staff is our top priority, and these enhancements demonstrate our continual commitment to ensuring high-quality, safe, and supportive schools for all through a systems-based, layered approach to school security planning and implementation. We are confident these changes will positively impact the well-being of our school community.

We appreciate your understanding and cooperation as we implement them. For a complete overview of our school safety, security, and emergency management initiatives, please visit our website.

If you have any questions or concerns, please contact your school for guidance.

Sincerely,
Dr. Francisco Durán
Superintendent