Sikeston Public Schools enhances safety measures

SIkeston Junior High School students walk through weapon as they enter the building Thursday, Oct. 31 in Sikeston. The district has added measures as part of its ongoing commitment to ensuring the safety and security of students and staff. (Photo provided)

SIKESTON — Sikeston Public Schools is implementing a series of new initiatives and enhancements aimed at creating a safer learning environment.

Sikeston Public Schools Superintendent Shannon Holifield said the added measures are part of the district’s ongoing commitment to ensuring the safety and security of Sikeston R-6 students and staff.

Among the key measures include: state-of-the-art weapon detectors; new emergency management system; visitor management system; proximity card access; Courage to Report app; increased surveillance; additional school resource officer; and fencing at the high school.

“We have acquired three advanced weapon detectors that are currently deployed at sporting events and used for random checks at various school,” Holifield said in a news release.

Holifield also credited Andy Caton, district safety coordinator, for his assistance in enhancing safety.

Recently, the district purchased five additional detectors to further enhance our safety protocols.

In addition, the introduction of the “RAPTOR” emergency management system empowers our staff to instantly initiate an emergency alert from their phones, desktops or iPads. This feature not only notifies all personnel of an incident but also allows for real-time updates and messaging. In the event of an emergency, the Department of Public Safety will be immediately alerted and dispatched to the scene.

The RAPTOR system includes a robust Visitor Management feature, requiring all visitors to present identification. This information is checked against a national database of registered sex offenders, enhancing our accountability for who is on our campuses.

“To control entry points, all main entrances and key areas utilize proximity cards, ensuring that only authorized individuals can access the buildings,” Holfield said.

The district has also implemented the Courage To Report app on all student iPads, monitored by the Missouri Information Analysis Center (MIAC), a division of the Missouri State Highway Patrol. This tool enables students to anonymously report suspicious activity or threats, fostering a culture of vigilance and support.

Additional security cameras have been installed at select schools to enhance monitoring and safety.

Sikeston Public Schools and Sikeston Department of Public Safety are actively looking into ways to add an additional SRO in our district, the superintendent said. The district is looking into ways to fund fencing in the Sikeston High School campus.

“These initiatives reflect our dedication to creating a safe and nurturing environment for our students and staff,” Holifield said. “We believe that through these proactive measures, we can better protect our school community and foster a culture of safety and respect.”