Dear Venice High School Families,

Ensuring the safety of our Sarasota County Schools students, staff, and visitors remains our utmost priority. I'm thrilled to share some exciting developments regarding an additional security measure being implemented at our school. We have implemented OpenGate, a weapons detection system, to enhance safety and security on our campus.

Thanks to our School Board and upon the recommendation of our Superintendent, School Police Department, and Safety and Security team, the district has procured a state-of-the-art weapon detection system. This nonintrusive system is engineered to identify weapons, whether on a person or concealed within their bag or backpack while maintaining a regular flow of foot traffic into our buildings. All students and visitors will be screened through OpenGate before entering the interior of Venice High School.

Venice High School students pass through the weapon detection system at the start of each school day. The system is also utilized during other school events throughout the year. Administrators, security staff and our Campus Police (SROs) oversee the process, ensuring smooth operation and minimal disruptions.

We are excited to use this security technology, which adds an extra layer of protection to our existing safety protocols. Please share this vital information with your family. As a reminder, Sarasota County Schools policies and state laws govern the possession of weapons on school property. Please find two of the policies below.

District Policy 5.321: POSSESSION OF WEAPONS AND OTHER PROHIBITED ARTICLES: This policy stipulates that no student shall possess any firearm, weapon, or other prohibited item while on school property or attending a school-sponsored function.

District Policy 6.303: EMPLOYEES WITH WEAPONS: This policy prohibits school system employees from unlawfully carrying or possessing firearms or other weapons while at school, on school property, or during school activities.

To help alleviate lines and minimize impact to the start of school, we have also opened the bus loop off of Milan Ave. for parents to drop off starting at 7:15 each morning. Please do not attempt to enter before 7:15 so that our buses can drop off safely and efficiently.

Thank you for your support for this system. To view a brief video demonstration of the Open Gate technology, please visit https://www.sarasotacountyschools.net/o/scs/page/opengate

Respectfully,

Zoltan Kerestely
Principal, Venice High School

Venice High School

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OpenGate Weapons Detection System

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