Stuyvesant Introduces New Safety Access System

Since the first day of school, students may have noticed a doorbell and camera installed next to the main entrance and bridge entrance doors. These panels are part of a new door-locking mechanism called the Safer Access System. Before 7:30 a.m., after 4:00 p.m., and during free periods, the doors to the main entrance and bridge entrance are now locked. To enter the building, students, visitors, and faculty must be buzzed in by school safety using this new system.

The introduction of the Safety Access Door at Stuyvesant aligns with a broader Department of Education (DOE) mandate aimed at enhancing security across the city's schools. “The Safer Access System is a DOE-wide new system that has been put in place. It’s another layer of protection to keep everyone safe. [Now] the doors are required to be locked,” Assistant Principal of Safety and Security Brian Moran said.  

Upon ringing the bell, students, visitors, and faculty will be expected to show identification to be buzzed in by school safety. “It works the same way as a Ring camera on people’s doorbells […] you ring the bell, show your ID, and come in,” School Business Manager and Director of Family Engagement Dina Ingram said. 

The Safety Access Door policy does not fundamentally change the procedure when students enter the building. The doors to the bridge entrance are unlocked when students are permitted to enter and exit the building.“When you're coming in in the morning or exiting after 10th period, [...] and during the passing bells, the [doors] are kept open,” Government teacher and Coordinator of Student Affairs Matthew Polazzo said. 

Some students have expressed confusion regarding when students can enter the building under the new system. Senior Muhib Muhib pointed to ambiguities in the issued policy document, questioning whether students could enter anytime during a free or after 4:00 p.m. “The Safer Access Door’s intercom system itself is very straightforward. The documentation for it though is riddled with vagueness and confusion,” Muhib said. “The documentation heavily implies you can re-enter anytime during free and lunch periods and after 4:00 p.m.; it just says ‘Buzzer Required.’”

However, the times in which students are allowed to enter or exit the building have remained the same. “Students can exit at any time during their free period but are only permitted to re-enter the building during the last five minutes of the period. After dismissal, students may return to the building for afterschool activities, but must return prior to 4:00 p.m.,” Moran said. 

For students using the buzzer system for the first time, there are minor procedural adjustments. “I’m not that bothered by having to buzz in. At first it was really confusing, because after 4:00 p.m., you have to go to the bridge entrance [to leave], but to go back in you have to use the first floor entrance,” sophomore Yuma Kono said. Kono usually has to enter through the bridge after 4:00 p.m. on weekdays to gather her belongings after cross country practice.

One potential issue that could arise in the future is managing large-scale events, such as concerts and shows. “The only change I foresee with having [the system] is the come-and-go policies,” said Ingram. “That might be impacted with in and out privileges during events because we can’t just constantly be buzzing people in.” 

The goal of the Safer Access Door is to increase security measures and to make entering the building more practical for all. Since school has only been in session for a month, the effects of the new system haven’t been fully explored. “There might be some inconveniences, but it’s for the right reasons. And that’s everybody’s safety,” Moran said.