A long line wraps around the Math and Science building and bus entrance. Students chatter, confused, with Chromebook in hand. As a few minutes go by, they notice the tall, gray metal detectors standing at the entrance of the main building. One by one, students pass through these detectors. Some are able to pass without any issues, but others are greeted with a red light and high-pitched beeping sound.

As of May 15, 2023, Texas High has officially put metal detectors in place at entrance points. In the mornings, students will pass through these detectors to ensure student safety. Because it was the first day, there were a few bumps along the way, but overall, the metal detectors worked smoothly.

As days go on, the transition will be easier. At the moment, the administration is trying to figure out procedures to make sure students are able to get to class on time and students aren’t having to go through lines multiple times. 

“We’ve got to make sure that students are getting out of their cars that drive in a timely manner,” Lott said. “Once we get the hang of what sets metal detectors off, we’ll be moving faster. We also have to set some protocols for students that have already gone through metal detectors in athletics in the morning or at the bus stop when they get dropped off, and aren’t caught up having to go through them again.”

Some students feel that though these precautions are making the school safer, the detectors are causing a disruption with classes. With the devices still being figured out, the lines have been a bit slow.

“I feel like they’re smart, but at the same time, the procedures we’re having to go through aren’t fast right now,” sophomore Alyssa Bean said. “I feel like it’s just gonna waste time in first period and some people have dual credit classes first period, so it’s kind of just taking time off the course.”

Though it’s going to take time to get used to, student safety is the utmost priority of the school administration, and these metal detectors are a step towards increased security.

“There have been concerns of safety,” Lott said. “So we’re putting in place all the possible protocols to keep students safe.”