News

Dear Mead Families,

You send your children to us every day with the expectation that we will not only teach them, but also keep them safe. This is a trust we do not take lightly. To that end, the district hired an outside security firm last year to evaluate our crisis prevention efforts.

One of the recommendations from this audit was to implement a digital visitor management system. The district will be installing the Visitor Aware system in all schools throughout the 2024-25 school year. Our school will begin using this system on Monday, September 30. Here is how it will work: 

• When you visit the school, you will still ring the doorbell and be buzzed into the vestibule. If you are just dropping off a lunch or some other item, you can put your student’s name on the item (labels will be available) and leave it on the designated shelving unit.
• If you need to enter the main office, then you will stop at the self-serve tablet in the vestibule and check in as a visitor. 
• At these tablets, you will have your photo taken, type in your phone number and enter your destination in the building.
• Instructions on the tablet will prompt you to take your photo. During this step, you will be asked to check a box allowing us to use facial recognition to check you in faster on a future visit. It’s up to you whether or not you check this box.
• If it’s your first time using the tablet, you will need to scan your ID. The camera for the ID scan is located at the top left side, behind the tablet. Both driver’s licenses and state IDs are accepted. SCAN the back of ID
• The system runs that information against FBI and Interpol lists, predator databases and active court orders to ensure the individuals we are admitting to our buildings are safe.
• If you are cleared, a badge with your name, photo and destination will be printed for you to wear while you are in the building.
• School staff and the District 54 Safety Team will be alerted to anyone who is flagged.

The safety of your children is very important to our staff. Please don’t hesitate to contact me should you have any questions.

Sincerely,

Scott