South Park School District Families:
As part of the district’s prioritization of student and staff safety, and thanks to a grant through the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, the district will begin to roll out the OpenGate Weapons Detection System in its schools beginning later this fall. This system, implemented in schools and public venues nationwide, uses advanced sensor technology to detect weapons quickly and discreetly. The system allows for smooth student flow during arrival and minimizes disruptions to the school day.
The purpose of this communication is to inform you of the district’s future use of the weapons detection system and to provide you with information about this technology (included below). In the coming weeks, district administrators, police officers, and staff will be trained on the new system. Once the training is complete and rollout dates are finalized, the district will share that information, as well as a more specific and comprehensive communication about daily procedures with families in each school. We anticipate rolling out the system first at South Park High School early this fall, then moving to South Park Middle School and South Park Elementary Center in the weeks and months to follow.
As always, we thank you for your partnership in keeping our schools and community safe.
In the 2025-2026 school year, the South Park School District will implement an important new safety measure in our schools: the installation of the OpenGate Weapons Detection System. This step is part of our district’s commitment to ensuring a safe, secure, and supportive learning environment for all students and staff.
Why OpenGate?
The OpenGate system uses advanced sensor technology to detect weapons quickly and discreetly, without the invasiveness of traditional metal detectors. It allows for smooth student flow during arrival and minimizes disruptions to the school day. This system is already used in schools and public venues like sports stadiums, arenas, and theme parks nationwide.
Trauma-Informed Implementation
We recognize that safety measures, especially those involving security technology, may cause anxiety or trauma responses for some students. To honor our trauma-informed values:
Staff will be trained to support students who may have emotional responses to the detectors.
Clear, age-appropriate communication will be provided to students explaining the purpose and process.
Visual cues and consistent routines will help reduce uncertainty and stress.
Support personnel (e.g., school counselors, social workers) will be available during the transition period to provide emotional support as needed.
Alignment with PBIS (Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports)
The introduction of this system aligns with our PBIS framework, which emphasizes proactive strategies for defining, teaching, and supporting appropriate student behaviors:
Positive messaging will be used to frame the detectors as tools for protection, not punishment.
Expectations for respectful behavior during arrival and screening will be integrated into PBIS lessons and morning routines.
Students demonstrating safe, respectful conduct in line with PBIS values will continue to be recognized and reinforced.
Our Commitment
We believe all students deserve to feel physically and emotionally safe at school. The OpenGate system is just one component of our broader effort to build safe, supportive schools that nurture belonging, responsibility, and care.
We invite your feedback, questions, and collaboration as we move forward with this implementation. An FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions) document will be provided prior to the rollout of the weapons detection system. If you have concerns or would like to discuss accommodations for your child, please don't hesitate to contact Michael Petruzzi, School Safety and Security Coordinator.
Thank you for your continued partnership in creating a safe and supportive learning environment for every South Park student.
Michael Petruzzi
School Safety and Security Coordinator
South Park School District
[email protected]
412.655.3111, extension 3002