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Opengate Metal Detectors

At Atlanta ISD, the safety and well-being of our students and staff are always our top priority. Each day, families entrust us with what is most precious to them, and we take that responsibility seriously.

As part of our ongoing efforts to provide the safest possible learning environment, we are introducing a new layer of security: walk-through metal detectors at our high school entrance and select athletic event entrances.

Watch a video on how the metal detectors work

Frequently Asked Questions

  • We continually review school safety with law enforcement and school safety partners. Walk-through detectors provide a quick, consistent screening that supports a safe and welcoming environment for students, staff, and guests. This is not a response to a specific incident.

    • Main student entrance at Atlanta High School. Special events, dances, or assemblies may include screening with advance notice.
    • Athletics: Stadium and gym entrances. We will let you know when these screenings will begin.

    1. Approach the designated entrance. Greeters will be available to help.
    2. Walk through the detector at a normal pace. Most people will pass through in seconds.
    3. If the detector alerts, trained staff will provide quick guidance. A brief secondary screening may be offered to resolve the alert.
    4. If you need a medical or accessibility accommodation, tell a staff member and we will assist in a private setting.

    • Keys, wallets, and phones may remain in backpacks/pockets unless the detector alerts.
    • Large metal objects can trigger an alert. If that happens, staff will ask you to briefly check the item or bag.
    • Chromebooks must be removed as they will trigger an alert.

  • Most students and guests will pass through within seconds. Extra staff will be on hand during the first weeks. For athletic events, please plan to arrive a few minutes early.

  • We will accommodate medical devices, mobility aids, and other accessibility needs. Options include a private secondary screening with a staff member and the use of a handheld wand. Wheelchairs, strollers, and adaptive equipment are welcome and will be screened respectfully.

  • Any secondary screening is conducted respectfully and, when requested, in private.

  • No. Screening is applied consistently to all students and guests who use the designated entrances.

  • Trained staff will ask the person to check for the item that caused the alert and walk through again. If the alert remains, staff will follow standard procedures for a brief secondary screening. If a prohibited item is found, school policy will be followed and parents will be contacted when appropriate.

  • The screening is a safety routine. If a prohibited item is discovered, the school will apply the student code of conduct and district policy. Consequences depend on the item and circumstances.

  • Visitors and volunteers may be screened at the front entrance. Vendors and deliveries must check in at the office and follow district procedures.

  • Students who arrive late will enter through the front entrance and complete screening there. Early checkouts will follow the standard identification and sign out process.