AHS Families,

On Thursday, Jan. 8, 2025, the Barrow County Board of Education voted unanimously to approve the immediate purchase and implementation of the OpenGate Weapons Detection System at the county’s three high schools.

On Monday, January 13, 2025, there will be a Digital Learning Day for Apalachee High School students. This will allow our staff time to familiarize themselves with the new devices and the procedures needed to ensure a smooth and successful implementation. Teachers will contact students through Remind and/or the Canvas Learning Management System with expectations for Digital Learning assignments. Breakfast and lunch will be available with regular pricing/eligibility for pick up at AHS from 8am-8:30am and 11:30am-12:30pm. (Extracurriculars will proceed as scheduled.)

We know the addition of these devices raises some questions. Here’s a brief overview of what to expect these first few weeks.

• 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 student drivers and car riders to arrive 15 minutes earlier than usual for these first weeks of implementation.
• Students and staff will pass all Chromebooks/laptops, three-ring binders, and metal water bottles to a staff member standing on the side of the devices. This will help expedite the screening process.
• If possible, do not carry bags if you do not need to in order to help limit items that would require a search.
• If the device sounds and shows a red light, the person must step aside for additional screening.

We are thankful to our AHS staff who have volunteered to be the first to help with the process. OpenGate representatives will also be here for guidance.

We ask our community to extend patience and grace as we work together through this change.

Thank you for your continued cooperation and support,

Principal Jessica Rehberg & Superintendent Dr. Dallas LeDuff