.png)
BCSS Middle School Families,
As BCSS has shared, on Jan. 8, 2025, the Barrow County Board of Education voted to approve the immediate implementation of the OpenGate Weapons Detection System at our county’s three high schools. During the Feb. 4 Board of Education Meeting, the district announced all middle schools will also receive devices for screening.
Our middle school teams will learn how to use the devices during the Teacher Planning Day on Feb. 17. Tuesday, Feb. 18 is the first day our middle school students will be screened.
We know the addition of these devices raises some questions. Here’s a brief overview of what to expect.
- Everyone should be prepared to walk through the devices upon entry and at various random location screenings throughout the day.
- Because processing times may be slower in the first days, we ask car riders to try to arrive at least 15 minutes before the first bell.
- Please have all Chromebooks/laptops out of your bag or case and ready to hand to a staff member standing on the side of the devices.
- If possible, please limit the bags and items brought to school.
- If the device sounds and shows a red light, the person must step aside for additional screening.
- Read FAQ (and see video examples) concerning the devices.
Please know staff will do their best to make the screening process go as smoothly as possible and they will continue to improve the process over time.
We thank each of you for your cooperation, support, and patience as we work together through this change to enhance safety at our schools.
Thank you again,
Barrow County School System