On February 29, Bellefonte High students were stunned at the sighting of a metal detector placed right outside of the gymnasium. Many students took photos of the detectors, which spread the news in a matter of minutes. This quickly sparked many rumors, questions, and confusions between students and families. Vice Principal Mr. Andy Caruso has come forward to help bring answers to those who are confused.
Last year, many schools in Pennsylvania received a hoax phone call, threatening the school. With Bellefonte High being one of the schools called, this inspired the idea of purchasing metal detectors.
“Over the past few years, we’ve had some days where parents and students are more concerned about safety than normal. When incidents occur at other schools and when we learn of potential threats on social media, it may be valuable to use metal detectors during entry for those days. This may prevent parents from choosing to keep their students at home when this occurs,” Mr. Caruso said.
Director of Security and Safety, Officer Brett Hanlon, arranged for Bellefonte High to gain access to receive a unit for testing. There have been no commitments in placing an order for one thus far.
While there is no plan of a constant use for the metal detectors, that could change, since the plan is to use the detectors on days when student safety is at an elevated level. Currently, there is no plan for the middle school or local elementary schools gaining metal detectors.
The school is still currently in its early stages of sorting out new safety measures. Updates will be made and announced as time goes on.
