As of Sep. 6, 77% of parents nationwide worry that a violent intruder may enter their kid’s school. Many schools across the country have addressed current safety and security issues on their campuses, including Kinnelon High School.

 To further this initiative, the administration team spent the summer updating and implementing new safety features in preparation for the 2024-2025 school year.

“Administratively, we always want to ensure that the building is safe for students and faculty,” said Vice Principal Matthew Arroyo. To address this, new security cameras were installed by the field and in the building. “[The cameras provide] more coverage in the building, so we can see areas that were not previously visible. We have better cameras, higher definition, more clarity, and we also installed new cameras on the field.”

Likewise, Kinnelon Public Schools Supervisor of Special Projects Vincent Shivas said, “We added an entirely new camera system to the high school. We also did some work with the door swipe systems throughout the district and several other minor projects.” Scanners were also installed in areas like the counseling office for students to scan in and out.

Additionally, since last year, students and staff have been encouraged to wear lanyards at school “For ease of identification. Teachers must wear them as well. There isn’t a teacher in the building who teaches every student. Therefore, some students may not be recognized by staff and vice versa. The lanyard lets everyone know you belong in the building,” said Shivas.

Teachers have also been advised to enforce policies against cell phones. According to Shivas, “It is too easy for anyone to place a threat on a school or spread rumors using their phones. Whether it is through social media, emails, or text messages, it is happening very often around the country, and it’s just disrupting student education and making people feel unsafe.”

Another important aspect of security in the eyes of the faculty is smooth security drills/procedures. Arroyo added, “We always want to ensure that we are conducting great security drills and that students understand that drills are important just in case. Fire drills are important because they lead up to the real thing, you never know when it is the real deal.”

All building staff members are prepared for emergencies and are briefed on protocols for security drills. Student Assistance Counselor Danielle Wysocki said, “All teachers and administrators have specific roles and locations during drills. These are mapped out ahead of time to make certain that every student is accounted for.”

Students can also be involved in security discussions and learn to keep themselves and their peers safe. Shivas said, “I would love to hear student views. I have a few forums throughout the school year. They can watch and respond. Mr. [Gary] Suda and Mr. [David] Mango have lunch with groups of students throughout the year presenting students with the opportunity to discuss any topic. Students can also attend Board meetings [and email me] to familiarize themselves with the agendas.” 

To enforce student safety, Shivas said, “It goes back to the old saying, ‘If you see something, say something.’ Students know what is going on in the school, out of the school, on social media, on the weekends, and more. If you hear or see something that doesn’t seem right or safe, tell a staff member.”

Shivas said, “Everyone in the building is a key piece to keeping themselves and others safe.”