South Side High School Announces New Safety Measures

South Side High School Principal John Murphy announced in a letter to parents that the school will be implementing new security features in order to help keep children safer.

In the wake of the Parkland, Florida shooting, districts all over Long Island have been grappling with how to keep students safe. "This has accelerated improvements being made to our existing procedures to make sure all students and staff are safe," Murphy wrote.

Effective immediately, there will only be two doors open to enter the school during the zero period: the main entrance and one set of doors in the colonnade. And each entrance will be manned by security guards.

Starting on Monday, March 5, all students will need to show their school IDs when entering the building. Any student that doesn't have an ID will be taken to the attendance office.

During the school day, from 8 a.m. to 2:32 p.m., students and visitors will only be allowed to enter the school through the main entrance, and will be buzzed in by security.

All visitors to the school will have to show ID, and any appointments made with staff members will have to be pre-arranged.

"I apologize for any inconvenience this may cause," wrote Murphy. "Please understand that the safety and welfare of our students and staff is our highest priority, as we continue to make South Side High School a place where every student can realize their full potential."

Photo: Patch