Public board implements new locked door policy at elementary schools

News Release
RRDSB

Beginning October 7, 2013, the Rainy River District School Board will activate a Safe Welcome Program at elementary schools to continue to enhance school safety. This Program supports a welcoming learning environment by ensuring that parents and other authorized visitors can access schools while keeping students and staff safe. It was announced by the government in December 2012 for all elementary schools across the province.
The aim of the Safe Welcome Program is to increase safety for both students and staff by locking the front door of the school during the day. Prior to 2013-14, all exterior doors with the exception of the front door were locked during the school day, and access for staff and students in portables was facilitated through cards or keypads. These practices will continue and, beginning October 7, 2013, the front door will also be locked, with a camera/speaker unit installed feeding to video monitors in the main office. Visitors will be required to press a buzzer to request access. Staff in the main office will be able to see and speak to the visitor, and release the door lock to provide access. We continue to ask visitors to sign in at the school’s office.
While this new Program will lead to changes in routines, we are confident that the increased security it provides will be reassuring to students, families and staff.
As always, parents are welcome in our schools any time. The Rainy River District School Board appreciates all school community members for supporting our continued emphasis on school safety.