Rossford Junior-Senior High School is pleased to announce a new partnership with Evolv Technology to enhance the safety for our students and staff. Evolv Technology is a leader in artificial-intelligence based weapons detection security screening, and thanks to grant funding, we have acquired two Evolv screeners.
These screeners will be located at our main entrances during student arrival and will also be used at various extra-curricular events, such as football games.
Unlike standard metal detectors, Evolv’s advanced technology uses artificial intelligence to detect the presence of weapons.
Our new system allows for quick access to our facilities while providing a valuable safety checkpoint. Evolv is highly efficient and each unit is capable of screening 2,000 people per hour. Visitors will not need to remove phones or keys from their pockets everyday. Students may walk through at a natural pace while wearing a backpack or carrying a purse. Chromebooks, however, will need to be removed and put into a bin as students walk through the scanner. If upon entry, an alert is issued, the student or visitor will be asked to step aside for additional screening by school personnel.
“We believe that helping students and staff start their day with peace of mind is important to positive educational outcomes as well as healthy social and emotional development,” said Peter George, CEO of Evolv Technology.
Evolv is an important addition to our layered safety approach which includes secure entrances, a comprehensive security and camera system, dedicated School Resource Officers and on-campus security officer.
This new system is not as intrusive as metal detectors. Also, no personal identification information is used for this system; it includes no facial recognition.
Weapons have no place in the school setting, this new resource is a great level of security against weapons in school.
Another vital layer in ensuring student safety is our anonymous reporting tool. Students and community members can report concerns by telling a staff member, or through our anonymous reporting line 844-SaferOH (844-723-3764). If you see something, please say something.
“Safety is a key pillar to success at Rossford Schools, and we are dedicated to providing a secure environment where our students and staff can thrive.” Superintendent Dan Creps said. “This extra checkpoint as students enter the building is an important next step in our commitment to student safety. We are grateful for the state grant funding that has made this possible.”
Rollout Plan
As with any new procedure, we anticipate that it will take students a bit longer to get through the checkpoint initially as we all get accustomed to the new system. Our staff will be on hand to assist and ensure that students feel comfortable and at ease with this new safety measure as they enter the school.
We will begin using the Evolv screener at arrival when students come back from Labor Day weekend on Sept. 3. Before then we will have the Evolv system out so students can get used to seeing it, and we will have trainings with students during the school day before Sept. 3.
Here is a video demonstration of the Evolv system being used by our Rossford Junior-Senior High School Personnel:
As far as use for a football game, we plan to first utilize Evolv for the second home game of the season on Sept. 13 against Otsego. We ask that fans come a few minutes earlier than normal as it will take getting used to for screeners and attendees the first time. We will have a video shared on our Facebook, YouTube channel and website that further showcases how attendees can prepare for the new screener to enter games.
Evolv Technology's security screening system is used at many venues, including:
NFL Stadiums: Cleveland Browns, LA Rams, New England Patriots & more.
MLB teams: The New York Mets, San Francisco Giants, and Chicago Cubs.
Other large venues: Kennywood, the Georgia Aquarium, The Columbus Crew (soccer).
Schools: Belmont University, Atlanta Public Schools, Columbus City Schools and Maynard Jackson High School.
Please feel free to contact Rossford Junior-Senior High School if you have any questions or concerns at 419-666-5262.
Thank you for your support as we continue to prioritize the safety and well-being of our students.