With over 2,000 students at Aliso Niguel, keeping the school safe is a top priority. Aliso has implemented a new security system with new rules, codes and badges for the teachers to ensure the safety of the students.
The system is through a contract with CENTEGIX, which was approved by the Trustees during the Board Meeting on April 23rd. The company is known for making safety technology that is wearable, making it easier for teachers and staff to get help during an emergency.
When teachers press the alert button the exact location is sent to the responders through a digital map of the school’s campus.
Ms. Terhardt, a history teacher says, “It allows staff members on campus to be able to [quickly] respond to any type of emergencies.”
Dr. Mahindrakar, the principal says, “It’s like an alert system. So teachers can activate it if they just want support. Similar to picking up the phone.”
The new system allows for teachers to be able to ask for assistance through their badges, this is faster than a teacher having to stop class to make a phone call. With a simple press of the button a campus supervisor will be sent down to the teachers room.
The new system was district wide as Dr. Mahindrakar says, “Our district office and our board selected it after a public process called a request for proposal.”
While the system is very efficient there are a few struggles as Ms. Burch, a history teacher says, “I am always afraid I’m gonna accidentally hit that button and cause a lockdown when there’s nothing wrong. So I have to be very careful.”
Every staff member on campus has been given a CENTEGIX badge and the office has extras for any visitors or temporary employees such as substitute teachers.
As safety is a growing concern among families throughout the United States, this new system of security being applied in all Capistrano Unified Schools gives families the ease of knowing that their students are on a safe campus with an advanced security system.
The Capistrano District is the first district in Orange County to have implemented a crisis alert system in their schools.
When asked about the effect this system will have on all the students of Aliso Niguel Dr. Mahindrakar says, “It’s like a telephone, when the teacher picks up to call for help.”
The new system does not seem to affect the students day to day at school, but in the case of an emergency having this new system will help with having quicker responses to emergencies.
This system also allows for teachers to request help quickly and efficiently, without disrupting the class. While the system is still new the safety of the students has always been the number one priority of the district, and will continue to be with the help of the new technology and advanced alert system throughout the CUSD schools.
