Due to security upgrades, teachers in my building will now be wearing 'panic buttons' around our necks, in addition to our school IDs, classroom key, and door swipe cards on lanyards. Several of my colleagues also wear microphones for hearing impaired students. Anyone else wearing similar 'accessories'?
The only accessory I added this year was my picture badge around my neck. I'm in a new district, in position. At my last school, I didn't wear any kind of ID (small town district).
I would worry about having a panic button on my neck. I am so clumsy, I would set that thing off everyday!
We are not required to wear any form of ID,however now we have to sign in and out on our lunch periods and cannot leave the building during preps . We have been told this is for security reasons
We've been told that you can't set it off by merely bumping it...one needs to press the button in and hold it for several seconds. I'm hoping all the goodies can be attached to just one lanyard.
No, we don't have anything like that. To be perfectly honest, I would definitely prefer having easy access to a panic button and would wear one with enthusiasm. We have panic buttons in our classrooms, but they don't always work and the phone that they ring to (in the main office) doesn't always get answered. It is frustrating and can be dangerous. =(
I appreciate the commitment my district is making towards school safety. Our panic button calls EMS- fire, police, ambulance...not the main office. Some teachers are already complaining of wearing so much stuff around their necks.
I have never heard of a school district employing the use of personal panic buttons, but what a great idea! If I were required to wear one, I would do it no questions asked.
I have a picture ID, but I always forget to put it on! I need to get a hook by my desk to hang it on or something. I don't know if we're required to wear them-I should ask today.... We have microphones as well, but I only use it during Read Aloud and I hold it.
Microphones are not mandatory here...and I believe that only one teacher has a microphone and that's because of one particular student that she has that has an auditory impairment.
I know the local news here had a story on it yesterday (i'm in Central NJ, we get NY news stations), about how a local school has installed panic buttons in the classrooms at the thermostats.
Same here. I can't wear things around my neck. I'd clip it on my pants somehow. But we don't have any nice safety systems in place.
Ours work anywhere in the building and on the grounds. A panic button in a classroom does no good if the threatening situation arises when you are outside.
I must wear a picture ID at all times. It also is the way I get into any district building as I have to swipe it I'm front of a. Button. I also hang my room key on it as my classroom door must be locked at all times.
We have to wear our ID cards (issued by the county sheriff) and our key fobs that get us into the building. The new addition to the building requires our ID cards for entry, but some of the doors in the older end still need the fob. It is also strongly encouraged that we have our classroom key on us as well.
I got a medical release saying I didn't have to wear anything around my neck because it was contributing to debilitating migraines. I have to have my badge on me at all times, but it released me from my microphone, and any other 'accessory' that our district requires us to wear.
I have a colleague with similar health issues related to wearing things around her neck...she wears her badge, key, door swipe card around her waist.
I have ID, room key, and door pass. I refuse to do a lanyard, so I clip my badge on my shirt, my key on a spiral key chain on my arm, and my door pass in my bag until I can clip it with my badge. I made myself wear the badge after Sandy Hook, and now it is required.
My hubby & mom have one (not teachers)...they have a clip for their id/key access goes to their pants and stretches like rubber band the goes back in. The clip is about the size of a nickel.
We have to wear picture IDs, but I think they will be replaced with a new ID that is also a door swipe, soon. Primary teachers have microphone systems, but they are optional to use.
I wear a microphone around my neck. I carry my keys in my pocket (too many to wear around my neck) and clip my ID/door badge to my pants or shirt. I think a panic button would be amazing for our PE teachers. Every classroom and the cafeteri has a call button to the office, plus a phone that we can use for 911... but PE just has walkie-talkies.
We don't have to wear anything. We got picture IDs last year, but we are not required to wear them and no one does. I would like some sort of lanyard/uniform/identifying item for staff for security purposes.
I think I like the idea of a panic button. I've suggested our secretaries in the office wear something like that in the event of a "Code Red" (dangerous intruder on campus).
I just have a lanyard with my ID and key to my classroom. Starting on Monday, it will be mandatory that classroom doors be locked at all times. I would LOVE to have a panic button.
Are parents allowed in the buildings? In your rooms? Can they eat lunch with their child? We allow those that pre sign up to come face paint on Friday. They can't be in the hallways until the kids are in the rooms. And then only in certain areas of the hallways. Not in the rooms. We are a small town and until lasts spring we're allowed free range of the building. Some are having a hard time with the rules. All guest must sign in and be walked to where they are going. Yesterday we had a mom throw a fit because our rules are crazy according to her. What are your rules? Sorry hijacking this thread.
All entryway doors locked once school starts...limited doors open at arrival time, no re entry at dismissal. Parents must sign in at office after coming in front door...which is locked, must be buzzed in, cameras track entry into building. No parents in hallways or down to classrooms unless specifically scheduled with classroom teacher... Guests in building must wear a pass from the office as do subs. Do you really have face painting EVERY Friday?
Yes, but only during football season...25 cents a cheek or 50 cents a tattoo. Money is for teachers to do what they want with..I made $9 this week. If we make playoffs that is over ten weeks. My class is small. The larger classes clear $10 to $15 a week. But I hate it! Isn't worth it to me, but parents would freak if we didn't do it.
I wished I could..it is usually during morning work and centers. Usually less than thirty minutes. PreK through 3rd grade participates.
I have an ID, classroom key, gate key, and my communication cards. I wear it all at my hip. I HATE lanyards. ETA: How could I forget about the GIGANTIC walkie-talkie I wear when I'm out of the classroom with one of my students?
I wear my badge (which also opens certain doors) on a reel clipped to my collar so I can easily roll it out and unlock doors when I need to. I keep my keys in my pocket. I do not like to wear lanyards because I don't like how things flop around on them.
We all have one but not everyone is required to carry it. This student has a history of seizures and major behavior issues so its for the safety of everyone involved.
