Long gone are the days of parents and relatives of school children freely walking in and out of school buildings.
But in the wake of recent incidents of school violence, school districts around the country are re-thinking their security measures, including in Cranston.
Tonight, the School Committee is reviewing proposed changes to the district's visitor access and identification policy that would require all parents or guardians to notify the school before picking up or dropping off their child.
Local schools already require visitors to sign in and wear a badge when inside the school building. But the proposed changes appear to make every person entering the building get prior approval.
"Any unauthorized visitors may be denied entry to the building and require approval of the building principal," the policy states.
Is the policy change enough? Or does it go too far? Let us know in the comments.
Here's the policy in full, the proposed changes in bold.
Organization/ Visitor Access and Identification Policy (#1250 Amended)
In an effort to maintain a safe and secure environment in our schools the following policy guidelines will be followed.
Organizations, groups or individuals shall not be allowed to promote or recruit during the school day.
All visits shall be prearranged and preapproved by the Superintendent or his/her designee.
Visits shall not disrupt the school day including recess and lunch or “free” times.
Principals will maintain daily records of expected visitors, volunteers and approved programming during the school day. This record must be available in the Main Office and must be used to allow entry into the school building.
Any visitor, volunteer or parent/guardian coming into the school for a program, event or to pick up or drop off their child must communicate with the main office prior to arriving at the school. Any unauthorized visitors may be denied entry to the building and will require approval of the building principal.
Any visitor, volunteer or parent/guardian shall go directly to the main office upon entering the building in order to sign in to the building. Failure to follow this procedure may result in removal from the building.
Any visitor, volunteer or parent/guardian coming into the school for a program, event or classroom activity shall be required to wear a visitor badge/sticker supplied by the school. This badge/sticker must be worn in a visible manner during the entire visit and should be returned to the office prior to leaving the building. Visitors not wearing badges/stickers will be asked to leave the building immediately.