District 95 is now implementing a new security policy for LZHS which was planned prior to the school shooting at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, Connecticut.

                “We have been looking into a few changes in our security system for a while, but the crisis in Newtown sped up the process,” Ryan Rubenstein, assistant principal for student activities and facilities, said. “This may be looked at as a hassle at first, but it is in favor of everyone’s best interest.”

                The main doors will now be the only doors available for entrance to the school up until 7:30am. The Senior Doors will now only be open for entrance between 7:30am and 7:55am, except when there is a security guard is available to supervise the senior opens.

                All entrances will be manned by a security guard at all times, and the changes are necessary to maintain a safe environment for the students and faculty, according to Rubenstein.

                Additionally, Door 15, farthest from the PAC facing the faculty parking lot, will now be locked at all times.  Buses will now drop off students closer to available doors.

                Door 28, closest to the Tonelli Gym, will now also be locked and unavailable during school hours.

                Rules regarding senior opens will not affected due by the new security policy. The only exit and entrance for senior opens is through the Senior and main doors.

                “The main concern is someone getting into the school that does not belong in the school,” Rubenstein said. “The new system ensures that we can see anyone who is trying to get in.”

                An additional security desk has also been established outside of the main doors to ensure that anyone entering the building can be seen.

                “We hope that everyone will feel safe once the students get used to the policy,” Rubenstein said. “A conscious effort by the students needs to be put forth to think about how to make everyone safe.”