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Weather Watch: No Jan. 31 Activities

We are closely monitoring the next round of winter weather expected this weekend for our area. Based on the forecast and after consulting with local emergency teams, all extra-curricular activities for Saturday, Jan. 31, have been canceled.

Any decision concerning our Monday school schedule will be shared with families no later than Sunday evening through email/text messages, our websites, social media, and local media stations. If you are not receiving our direct messages, please check your contact information in the Parent Portal.

Thank you for your patience and understanding as we continue to navigate through our weather challenges.

16 hours ago

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January 29, 2025

Safety Enhancement Update: Jan. 28 BOE Work Session

The Barrow County Board of Education (BOE) heard several updates concerning safety enhancements at our schools during their Jan. 28 Work Session.

Weapons Detection Systems at High Schools

The OpenGate Weapons Detection System has been implemented at all three Barrow County School System High Schools. Apalachee High School was the first to receive the devices on Jan. 13. Barrow Arts and Sciences Academy and Winder-Barrow High School received the devices on Jan. 21. All schools had a Digital Learning Day on those days to allow for staff training. Schools report a smooth screening process and an overall positive response from students.

Safety Enhancement Survey Results

BCSS Chief of Staff Dr. Matt Thompson shared the results of the Safety Enhancement Survey open to the community from Dec. 2 through Dec. 13. About 4,280 people completed the survey. You can see the results below and/or watch the presentation here. 

Additional School Resource Officers Status

The Barrow County Sheriff's Office (BCSO) is actively hiring for the eight additional School Resource Officers the BOE approved in September 2024. As of the Jan. 28 Work Session, three have been hired. BCSO manages the hiring and training of all Barrow County School System School Resource Officers (SRO). It's required that all SROs be post-certified law enforcement officers. Their salaries can vary depending on experience and education. BCSS is grateful for the care and dedication the BCSO commits to finding the incredible and right people for this vital role. These officers engage with students and serve as both protectors and mentors. They play a crucial role in creating a positive environment for students, staff, and visitors of our schools.

Barrow Community Foundation Grants to BCSS / AHS

Dr. Thompson reviewed the grants awarded to BCSS and AHS. The money has helped to fund many staff-requested items such as rubber bumpers for the weight room to avoid alarming sounds when the weights hit the floor, furniture for the counseling waiting area, a full-time therapy dog, and mental health therapists. See the full list here.

New Positions to Support Mental Health and Recovery

Assistant Superintendent of Human Resources Dr. Adam Kurtz updated the BOE about two new positions that will help support mental health needs and recovery planning for AHS. The intent is to fund the salaries of the Employee Assistance Program clinician and Recovery Coordinator through the federal Antiterrorism and Emergency Assistance Program (AEAP) grant.

Other Related Items from the Work Session:

Increase in fees related to Foothills services for students who did not feel comfortable returning to school after Sept. 4.
Learning Pod update at AHS. (See FAQ about the Pods here.)
Watch the entire Work Session here.

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