This week, Petersburg City Public Schools launched a new safety initiative as part of the school division’s efforts to enhance safety. This school year, the school division has placed x-ray machines at Petersburg High School and Vernon Johns Middle School. These x-ray machines will scan all bags that enter school buildings. Petersburg City Public Schools is one of the few school divisions in the country to use this new technology to help safeguard students and staff at school.

The school division has a number of safety protocols in place to make sure that students and staff can learn and work in a safe envirnment, including: 

• Students in high school, middle school, and alternative school are required to clear a weapons detection system upon first entry to the school. Additionally, students may be scanned with a handheld metal detector and have their backpacks, purses and other personal items searched.

• All students are required to adhere to the clear backpack policy. Students may only carry an additional small bag no larger than 6x9x5 and a non-clear small lunch box/bag.

• Students and visitors are prohibited from bringing weapons on school property.

• No illegal substances, tobacco products, or vape products are allowed on school property.