A new year comes with new changes, and this year WS has implemented a big one. When the bell rings at 7:20, all outside doors will now be locked.

“Locking the doors was Mr. Greenfelder’s decision and the county approved it,” said Vice Principal Thorson, “The idea had been on our mind for a while.”

Stragglers will now be locked out and will need to ring one of four doorbells at doors one, four, six and eight to be let in. That means that if a student comes to school late or a visitor needs to get in they will only be allowed access inside from those four doors.

“There are people answering the doorbell to let  [visitors or students] in through four different stations. Two stations are in the main office, one is in Brandt’s office and the last is in the attendance office. There’s also a camera at each door containing a doorbell, so we can see who’s ringing it. We can swivel and zoom in with the camera,” said vice principal Thorson.

The door bell only applies, however, to visitors and students. Faculty will be allowed to unlock any door at any time.

“[We are] given a black disc and we can swipe it at any door. Students though are going to have problems getting in [after the bell],” said math teacher Larson.

Short-cuts that last year’s students have grown accustomed to will no longer be able to be used during the school day such as the outside cut through from the sports lobby to the aux gym or to the tech rooms. Those doors are locked.

“I had to make a huge detour and I was late to math which was unfortunate,” said freshman Meg Wilder.

The locked doors are bringing inconveniences to students but a huge positive to them is better security and a greater sense of protection.

“It gives me a safety feeling knowing that some crazy person can’t  just come in at anytime. We’ve had a few instances in the past where someone came in through door four who didn’t belong,” said Larson.

Elementary schools in the area have been using this doorbell system for many years now, and it’s extending to the high schools too. It is becoming mandatory for all schools in this county, because it’s such a high quality security measure. Even if the black discs that are used to open doors by faculty are somehow stolen, security has already covered that scenario too.

“The discs are assigned a number and we disconnect one if it is reported stolen,” said head of security Mike Ukele.

Now students will be able to go through the school day assured of their safety and parents will be more at ease knowing that the school is employing every security measure possible.

“It  may be a little more inconvenient for students but I feel safer knowing we have this system,” said Larson, ” As a mom, I look at all these kids and I want them to be safe.”