On August 21, 2023, the first day of school, an unorganized crowd surrounded the main doors of Godwin high school. Prior to entering the building, every student had to go through one of three metal detectors located in front of the school’s main and bus loop entrances. 

Evidently, it caused a drawn-out line for students that week. Although the metal detectors are still in the developing phase, our faculty and staff have high-hopes for this newly implemented procedure at Godwin. 

Metal detectors were first introduced to Godwin during the 2022 – 2023 school year when we, as a school, were selected to participate in a test run of new weapon detectors. At the time, the weapon detectors were only temporary. 

However, this year they have been installed for year-round use. Not only have metal detectors gained a big role at Godwin, but new equipment such as revolving metal detectors have emerged. 

“The machines that we are using are different than the ones last year; they are designed to be faster and more effective at identifying metal weapons; there are some kinks that need to be worked out, but they are overall faster and more effective than the ones that we used in the field test last year.” said Dunavant. 

The daily process of going through the metal detectors is ever changing as administration tries to figure out what specific items trigger the alarm.

In the first few weeks of the school year, students had to retrieve various items from their bag in an effort to not set the detectors off.  In a schoology announcement, posted on August 27, Godwin principal Leigh Dunavent listed multiple examples of school supplies that students needed to take out from their backpacks: laptops, metal water bottles, eyeglass cases, and large binders with metal rings. 

These items were handed to the staff that stood off to the side, placing  students’ belongings on roller conveyors while monitoring the flow of the line and metal detectors.

After more breakthroughs, a new way to go through the metal detectors was introduced on September 4th. Students were instructed by staff to remove their laptops from their bags and proceed through the detectors while holding said laptop over their head, allowing a more efficient way of passing through the detectors. 

“[Asking] students to put their laptops over their head when going through the [metal detectors] has helped a lot.” commented Dunavant. 

Before Godwin staff became aware of the items that trigger the weapon’s detectors, many students had their belongings checked by administrators. A small table has been placed by the detectors to search those who have triggered the devices. Security wands have now been implemented into the daily routine to search students. 

If any student decides to not cooperate with the mandatory procedures, then consequences will follow. “A student search, a parent phone call, a consequence for insubordination under the code of conduct” Dunavant stated.

Overall, the first day of school brought unprecedented procedures to Godwin now that the testing trials for metal detectors are complete. But what do GHS students think about the new changes that followed the first few weeks of school.

GHS student Ethan Kennedy (11) shared his intriguing thoughts on this year’s procedures. “They work well as a scare tactic, not the best option neither is it full proof”, states Kennedy, “ It’s not accurate if we have to hold items above our heads”. 

Three other students, Carli Ruff (12), Emily Mandeville (12), and Alina Green (9), also agreed with Kennedy’s statement about the accuracy of the detectors. Godwin student, Sophia Andre (11),states that “long lines outside the school makes it easier if people wanted to hurt students”. On the other hand, Godwin student William Hegeman (9) says that  metal detectors are annoying at times, but knowing that I’m safe is a good feeling.

Now that students are required to pass through the detectors, will teachers also be required? Godwin’s school principal, Dunavant, states “not at this time”.

To conclude, metal detectors have shaped our school in a way to ensure the safety of students and staff in the future.