This year, University Academy Charter High School added a big change to our mornings with the introduction of metal detectors and bag checks. Every student now has to go through security to enter the building. The same process is repeated throughout the day, when we return from lunch or the AFC.
Security staff scans students with metal detectors and check bookbags to make sure nothing unsafe is brought into the building.
The school decided to add these rules in order to increase safety. Across the country, schools have proceeded to tighten security and UACHS decided it was time to also ensure that nothing got into the building.
Administrators want families, students, and teachers to feel that the school is as safe as possible.
Head of security, Lorenzo Tosado, believes it was time to do this in order to avoid an incident.
“Yeah, I mean, It’s our new way of life now,” said Tosado. “You go to airports, you go to other public schools, and you see they’re all there; no one wants to be the first to have an incident.”
For many students, the new routine feels frustrating because it slows down the mornings and makes getting back inside after lunch take longer.
UACHS Junior, Doral Williams finds the process annoying but agrees it is necessary.
“The process is aggravating, but I understand why we get to do it,” said Williams. “At the end of the day, it is keeping us safe.”
Other peers have agreed that even though the process may not be enjoyable it still gives a sense of comfortability.
The new metal detectors may take time for everyone to get used to, but they are now a part of daily life at UACHS.
These changes will keep the community safe while allowing students to focus on what is important, their education.
