Dear Venice High School Families,
Ensuring the safety of our Sarasota County Schools students, staff, and visitors remains our utmost priority. I'm thrilled to share some exciting developments regarding an additional security measure being implemented at our school. On February 10th , we will introduce OpenGate, a weapons detection system, to enhance safety and security on our campus.
Thanks to our School Board and upon the recommendation of our Superintendent, School Police Department, and Safety and Security team, the district has procured a state-of-the-art weapon detection system. This technology, which has already been successfully implemented at other schools and utilized to screen visitors during school board, will now be installed at Venice High School.
This nonintrusive system is engineered to identify weapons, whether on a person or concealed within their bag or backpack while maintaining a regular flow of foot traffic into our buildings. Starting February 10th, all students and visitors will be screened through OpenGate before entering the interior of Venice High School.
On February 10th, Venice High School students will pass through the weapon detection system at the start of each school day. The system will also be utilized during other school events throughout the year. Administrators, security staff and our Campus Police (SROs) will oversee the process, ensuring smooth operation and minimal disruptions.
We are excited to implement this security technology, which adds an extra layer of protection to our existing safety protocols. Please share this vital information with your family. Over the next few days, our staff will familiarize your child with the new system and protocols, so they are prepared for its full implementation on February 10th.
As a reminder, Sarasota County Schools policies and state laws govern the possession of weapons on school property. Please find two of the policies below.
District Policy 5.321: POSSESSION OF WEAPONS AND OTHER PROHIBITED ARTICLES: This policy stipulates that no student shall possess any firearm, weapon, or other prohibited item while on school property or attending a school-sponsored function.
District Policy 6.303: EMPLOYEES WITH WEAPONS: This policy prohibits school system employees from unlawfully carrying or possessing firearms or other weapons while at school, on school property, or during school activities.
To help alleviate lines and minimize impact to the start of school, we are also opening up the bus loop off of Milan Ave. to parents for drop off starting at 7:15 each morning. Please do not attempt to enter before 7:15 so that our buses can drop off safely and efficiently. Parents/students arriving after 7:15 may have to wait in longer than usual lines the first few days of implementation. VHS administration will address any tardy issues.
Thank you for your support as we roll out this new system. To view a brief video demonstration of the Open Gate technology, please visit https://www.sarasotacountyschools.net/o/scs/page/opengate
Respectfully,
Zoltan Kerestely
Principal, Venice High School