Dear Parents/Guardians:
Fort Hamilton High School is committed to providing a safe and secure learning environment for ALL
students. The New York City Police Department assists us by implementing a coordinated approach to
school safety. One part of the safety initiative for New York City schools includes unannounced metal
scanning machines, similar to the kind used to screen airline passengers, for the purpose of detecting
weapons and contraband. These scanning machines, deployed by the New York City Police Department,
will identify not only weapons but other objects that are never permitted in NYC school buildings.
Students are prohibited from bringing the following items to school. These include but are not limited to:
blades, knives (regardless of size) and other sharp metal instruments, pepper spray, metal knuckles, clubs,
self-defense key chains, water pistols and other imitation weapons. The full list of items are listed in the
Citywide Standards of Discipline as well as in Chancellor’s Regulation A-412. Students who bring these
items to school are subject to disciplinary measures. Procedures for the use of scanning devices in New
York City public schools are contained in Chancellor’s Regulation A-432 on Search and Seizure. Please
visit the Department of Education’s website to view Chancellor’s Regulations A-412 and A-432
While scanning machines will not be at our school every day, students must be prepared each
day to successfully pass through scanners in the instance we are chosen to participate in
random scanning. Students must have their picture I.D. ready and visible before entering the building.
Student backpacks, as well as all metal objects (keys, belts, coins, jewelry, cellphones, etc.) will go through
the scanner. If students place all metal objects in their backpacks prior to reaching the scanner, the line
will move quickly. Students who are not properly prepared for scanning may be required to go through a
second, hand-held scanner that will delay their arrival to their first class.
It is my hope that all students will be attentive and follow instructions from NYPD, School Safety Agents,
and school staff and be sensitive to other students while waiting to be scanned to enter the building. We
always have multiple FHHS staff members present to support students through this process, but we want
them aware of expectations. In order for these safety measures to be successful, we need your support.
Please discuss this important safety procedure with your child.
Ensuring the safety of students and staff is something we take very seriously at Fort Hamilton High School.
If you have any questions regarding the policies and procedures on scanning, please do not hesitate to
contact us. Thank you, in advance, for your support.
Sincerely,
Kaye Houlihan
Principal