A Cheatham County high school is introducing new security measures aimed at improving campus safety. Beginning Tuesday, September 30, Sycamore High School will start screening all students and visitors with a weapons detection system.
The free-standing scanners are designed to detect weapons while allowing everyday items such as phones, keys and coins to pass through without triggering an alert. The new process will be part of the daily arrival routine for students, with machines set up in both the front and back lobbies.
Students will walk through the scanners individually, handing laptops and three-ring binders to staff before entering. If no alert is triggered, students may continue on to class. If the scanner detects something, the student will be directed to a separate area where staff may conduct further checks, such as a pocket search, handheld wand screening, or a backpack inspection. Visitors will also be required to pass through the scanner before entering the building.
Administrators acknowledge that there will be an adjustment period as the new system is put in place. Parents are encouraged to help students prepare by arriving a few minutes early, removing laptops and binders before screening, and limiting excess metal items in backpacks.
Principal Dawn Wenning said the added security measures are intended to create a safer environment for everyone on campus, and she thanked families for their patience as the process becomes routine.
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