School to Begin in Vernon With Enhanced Safety Features

VERNON. CT — A number of safety enhancements will be very noticeable when school starts in Vernon on Wednesday for the 2017-18 academic year.

And some might not be seen at all, but are of equal importance, school officials said.

"Safety continues to be top priority in the district and Vernon has made many changes and enhancements," said Emergency Management Director Michael Purcaro, who is also the school system's financial chief. "Some are visible and some are not so visible."

A good portion of the enhancements are designed improve traffic flow and add signs, he said. They aim to improve student, staff and visitor safety as well, he said.

It is part of a "collaborative effort," among several education and municipal departments, Purcaro said. A good portion was paid for by state-administered grants well into the six-figure range awarded over two rounds, Purcaro said.

Here are the highlights of the visible enhancements, summarized by school officials and police:

• At Lake Street School, 30 parking spaces have been added and traffic patterns have been streamlined.
• At Rockville High School, 20 spaces have been added near the auditorium to alleviate congestion at that end of the campus.
• Every school now has a "school climate specialist" on staff whose focus is on security, student behavior and to foster "a positive school atmosphere," Purcaro said. The specialist will also help train faculty and staffers on security and safety. All will be wearing a standard, marked uniform.
• For the first three days of school, a police officer will be visible at some facilities to help enforce new traffic patterns and to get folks used to new safety features.

Some of the behind the scenes enhancements include:

• A uniform closed caption TV system than can access every school camera through one secure platform. It will be used by school system administrators and police.
• A monitor is now in the local dispatch center dedicated to school facilities.
• The quality of the cameras has been enhanced to high resolution and some schools will feature a solid state 360-degree camera that has no blind spots.
• The card access system has been enhanced for staffers.
• Every school visitor has to sign in with a photo ID that is scanned into the security system with no exceptions. A photo is recorded in the system and a visitor pass — complete with photo — is then printed. "Certain" background information can also be reviewed for each visitor each time the driver's license is scanned, police said. The system can also be used remotely for outside activities like field days.
• The new contract with bus provider First Student requires radios that provide a direct link to first responders and the bus company and drivers.
• The town has a new new coordinator for crossing guards.
• Emergency school drills will now include some that are unannounced.
• The public is being encouraged to say something if something seems out of place or unusual.

Patch File Photo