Despite serving over 2,000 students, John Dewey High School funnels everyone through just two metal detectors and a single open door.
Entry procedures at John Dewey High School have long relied on a straightforward system in which students walk into the building and proceed through security.
The school introduced a buzzer-entry system this year to regulate access more closely, requiring students to signal before entering.
When combined with the two metal detectors that serve the entire population and the use of a single entrance, it’s commonplace to see slow-moving lines that build up in the mornings.
School safety agents, who manage the detectors each morning, see the process from a logistical standpoint.
Agent Thomas, one of the school security agents responsible for metal detectors, said that the volume of students is one of the main factors shaping how quickly the lines move. “About 1,700 students a day come in these lines,” he said. “Not many students get late because of this extra step, they come in fine.”
Thomas also noted that the equipment itself plays a major role in how smoothly mornings run. He described the detectors as “up to date” and “extremely accurate,” emphasizing that accuracy is essential for maintaining safety.
At the same time, he acknowledged that technical problems can occasionally disrupt the process.
When asked how often issues occur, “From what I last remember, it was about seven times the machines have stopped working and led to an unfortunate delay for students to get in,” he said.
Many students report that the process significantly affects their morning schedule.
Yinhui Yu, a junior, said he often feels frustrated by the delays. “I am sick about that and I have to wait for a long time every day in the morning,” he said. The extra time spent outside has led him to adjust his routine. “I have to wake up earlier than usual to get to school.” he explained.
While he acknowledged the safety benefits of the detectors, he also pointed out areas for improvement. “The metal detectors procedure keeps school safe,” he said. “We could add more detectors or move them to somewhere else because the wind will make them not work properly, then we can have 4 doors open.”
Some staff members view the detectors as an efficient part of the school’s security system. “It’s definitely efficient. What students need to do is just put their stuff inside and pass,” Math teacher Alex Wong said. “Even though teachers don’t pass through detectors, I feel they are the most convenient way for school safety.”
Meanwhile, Mr. Wong noted that the number of detectors may not fully meet the school’s morning demand. “The advantages are definitely school safety, and what can be improved is not enough detectors because I could see there are a lot of students waiting outside when sometimes I walk by the hallway,” he added.
As conversations about school security continue, many students and staff say the challenge lies in finding a system that protects the building while keeping the morning routine manageable.
For those who wait in the lines each morning, the hope is simply for a process that feels both safe and efficient. As Yu put it, “Safety is always important.”