Beep! The red light signals for another student to get their backpack checked, adding to the crowd of students waiting to pass through the sensors. FCPS increased the sensitivity of the weapon detection scanners across schools on Dec. 15. Since then, the process requires more items to be taken out to avoid getting flagged by the scanners.

According to Principal Dr. Amy Goodloe’s Schoology announcement, there is a specific list of items that should be removed including 3-ring binders, eyeglass cases, metal-based water bottles and more.To ensure the process is smooth, students should arrive early, be prepared, leave unnecessary items at home, walk slowly and give space to the person ahead. 

“As of now, it is very difficult because what happened was everyone got used to going through with their umbrellas and their three ring binders, and now they can’t get through it,” Safety & Security Assistant Lauretta Garrett said. “Everyone is relearning how to get through the towers.”

The previous setting on the safety screening technology can detect assorted items, including but not limited to knives, firearms, handguns, long guns, and materials used to construct an explosive device. According to FCPS, the increased sensitivity adds an added layer of safety to detect more types of weapons.

“When we first started this, students were late to class and parents complained,” Garrett said. “After a while, everyone got to understand how to get through, what you can take and what you can’t take. I think the same thing is going to happen again; It’s just going to take a little bit longer. I think after the break everybody will be on the same page.”