Limestone Families,
Thank you for your continued patience and support as we implement new safety protocols at LCHS. I want to extend my sincere gratitude to Bartonville Police Chief Segree, Deputy Chief Miller, School Resource Officer Ott, and the entire Bartonville Police Department for their strong partnership and commitment to helping us keep our school safe. I also want to thank the Board of Education for their stewardship and dedication in keeping LCHS safe for our students, faculty & staff, and families.
I want to provide you with an update on our morning safety procedures and the steps we are taking moving forward. Currently, all student bags are being checked and handheld metal detectors are being used as students enter the building. While we have improved efficiency, getting all 850 students through the process requires roughly 15 personnel, including 4–5 Bartonville Police officers. This level of staffing is simply not sustainable long term and the process continues to impact valuable class time.
Over the past week, we have met with representatives from several companies that specialize in school safety solutions. We are actively pursuing the purchase of walk-through metal detectors. These units will allow students to enter at a normal pace while detecting weapons, and they can be managed by our administrative team and SRO. This will provide both safety and efficiency, reducing the strain on personnel and minimizing the loss of instructional time. It is my hope that we will have these detectors operational within the next 7–10 days.
In the meantime, we will continue wanding and searching students as they enter the building. To better accommodate this process and protect instructional minutes, we will temporarily move Rocket Academy to the beginning of the school day. This short-term adjustment (hopefully just next week) will allow us to carry out our safety measures without disrupting class periods.
Please remember and review the following expectations with your student:
· we are strongly encouraging the use of clear bags and limiting bags as much as possible;
· students may only enter through two doors in the morning: Door 1 (Circle Drive) and Door 14 (Welcome Center) - no other doors may be used for morning entry;
· After 7:45 AM, all students and visitors must enter through the Welcome Center and will be searched prior to entry - propping of doors or allowing anyone in the building at any other door is strictly prohibited, students must "Ignore the Door" so that all entry to the building happens through the Welcome Center;
· while our primary focus is preventing weapons from entering the building, metal detection may also identify other prohibited items such as vape devices - students will face discipline for bringing prohibited items in accordance with the student handbook;
· refusal to comply with search procedures, or any attempt to circumvent our safety protocols, will result in swift and appropriate disciplinary action.
Safety is everyone’s responsibility and we must continue to work together to maintain a secure school environment. As always, please remember: “See Something, Say Something, Do Something.” Your cooperation and adherence to these standards are greatly appreciated.
I sincerely appreciate your flexibility, patience, and commitment as we navigate this transition. The safety of our students and staff will always remain our highest priority and your support has been critical in making these protocols work.
Sincerely,
Keith Brown, Superintendent
Limestone Community High School