Heights Schools Implement More Security Measures

More changes in security are being implemented into daily school routines as the Hasbrouck Heights administrators continue to take a close look at the schools security measures, re-evaluate and make some changes following the Sandy Hook Elementary tragedy last week.

Parents were notified by letter Thursday that new rules will go into effect on Friday, Dec. 21 regarding student access to the middle school/high school building at the start of the school day.

The school has mulitple entrances which will now only be accessible between 7:30 and 8:05 a.m. for students to enter school, as per the letter. After 8:05 a.m. only the Main Entrance on the Boulevard will be utilized the rest of the day.

The letter states that students reporting at 7 a.m. for Period "O", extra help or any other activity must only use the Main Entance on the Boulevard.

Beginning at 7:30 a.m. students can enter the building at the main entrance, the Paterson Avenue entrance, the gym entrance at Lasalle and the English Wing. The English Wing entrance will close at 8 a.m. and the others at 8:05 a.m. as per the letter. 

Parents were notified earlier this week by letter of other changes being made such as requesting that parents only drop-off items to their children between the hour of 9 and 10 a.m. Visitors who do not have a scheduled appointment will now be met at the door by a staff member and not automatically buzzed in upon announcing themselves at the door.

During the Eucid School Lil' People's Chorus show on Wednesday afternoon at the high school auditorium, gates were put up in parts of the middle school/high school building closing off parts of the building. This is being done to deter movement throughout the building during off-hours, according to the letter sent home to parents.

Heights administrators have also stated they are working with the police department for input regarding other possible measures.

Last Friday, a 20-year-old man . He also killed his mother and himself.

The tragedy has forced most school districts to take a look at its day-to-day security measures and implement more safety precautions.

What are your thoughts on some of the measures being taken? Do you think more security is needed at schools? Tell us in the comments below.

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