85,000 students attend schools in Alpine School District each day. To keep them safe, school and district staff use multiple layers of protection to help create secure learning environments. These efforts are designed to both protect students and meet state safety requirements.
Secure Vestibules
One of the district’s most important tools is the secure vestibule, which is essentially a checkpoint at the front of the school. Staff can verify visitors through cameras and intercoms before anyone enters the main building.
“This is one of the best ways to keep students safe,” said Joe Hayes, Director of Operations for Alpine School District. “Because all other entrances remain locked during the day, they help schools know exactly who is entering the building.”
Every elementary school in the district has a secure vestibule, and the district is working toward making them functional for all secondary schools.
Door Locks
Alpine has also been aggressive about installing locks on every classroom door that meet new state safety requirements.
A recently enacted Utah law mandates that all classrooms have a locking mechanism that can be engaged quickly during an emergency without the use of a key.
“A big part of ensuring safety and feeling safe is teaching and practicing emergency procedures, including locks, lights, and out of sight,” said Quinn Braden, assistant principal at Mountain Trails Elementary in Eagle Mountain. “Having doors locked throughout the day, both exterior and classroom doors, makes securing students that much faster.”
Additionally, teachers are required to keep doors locked during instruction, and district personnel regularly inspect schools to ensure classroom doors remain locked.
Video Cameras
Video surveillance is a third level of security that keeps Alpine campuses safe.
“Cameras offer a double layer of protection,” said Hayes. “They often act as a deterrent to threats, and if there is an active threat, cameras will help law enforcement identify and locate it quickly.”
Expanded camera coverage across school campuses helps staff monitor activity in real time and respond quickly when concerns arise. Together, these steps strengthen daily school security.
“And when students feel safe, they're able to focus on wonderful school experiences like academic learning and positive social interactions,” said Quinn.