No Visitors Without Appointments At Marlboro, Colts Neck HS

MARLBORO, NJ — If you're a parent of a student at either Marlboro or Colt Neck high schools, you might want to remind them Monday morning to be sure they have everything before they leave for school.

The Freehold Regional High School District is clamping down on all access to buildings, and that includes by parents.

In a notice posted Friday and distributed to all six high schools, district officials said people will no longer be allowed into district buildings without an appointment, and those coming for an appointment must have identification. That includes parents who want to drop off items that students forgot, the notice says.

The changes are in response to the Valentine's Day murders of 17 students and staff members at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida.

In the notice, Freehold Regional administrators said security procedures were reviewed at all six high schools: Howell, Colts Neck, Freehold Borough, Freehold Township, Marlboro and Manalapan high schools.

"As a result of this review, new protocols are going to be implemented," officials said. "Visitors to our buildings will not be allowed in without a photo I.D. and without a confirmed appointment. This means you will no longer be allowed into the building to drop off an item for your student. A secure bin will be placed outside the main doors to collect drop off items. Please place the item, labeled with your child’s name, in the bin. Security will bring the items into the building," the notice said.

The accused shooter in the Parkland killings is a former student who reportedly entered the building at the end of the school day and pulled a fire alarm to lure students out of classrooms.

In addition to the new visitor policy, District Superintendent Charles Sampson sent a letter to parents, urging them to work with the school district and to resist the urge to spread unconfirmed information on social media.

"The proliferation of social media allows for the constant and rapid flow of information," Sampson wrote, "and, unfortunately, at times, this information is unsubstantiated and incorrect."

"It is appropriate to 'see something, say something' as we have all been encouraged to do in order to be proactive," he wrote. "It is equally important to confirm the accuracy of a social media post before forwarding and potentially creating unnecessary fear and panic."

He said the district will continue to review security measures and make changes as necessary to protect students.

Read the full letter below:

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