Committed to a Safe & Secure Learning Environment
At Kelso C-7, the safety of our students and staff remains our highest priority. Over the past several months, we have taken meaningful steps to strengthen building security and enhance our emergency preparedness systems. Below is an overview of the recent upgrades and what families can expect moving forward. Many of these improvements were made possible thanks to voter approval of the Spring 2025 Prop Kids Bond Issue, and we are grateful for our community’s continued support.
Front Office Security Enhancements
We have made significant improvements to our front entrance and office procedures to ensure a safer visitor experience:
Pass-Through Security Window
Visitors will now interact with office staff through a secure pass-through window before gaining access to the building. This allows staff to assist guests while maintaining a secure entry point.
Front Office Restructuring
The front office layout has been redesigned to allow staff quicker access to lockdown systems and emergency procedures. This ensures immediate response capability if needed.
These changes strengthen our ability to manage visitors while maintaining a welcoming environment for families.
Enhanced Building Protection
Additional physical safety improvements are underway:
Privacy Vinyl (Coming Soon)
All windows will receive aesthetically pleasing vinyl coverings to reduce visibility into classrooms and hallways from outside the building.
Ballistic Film Installation
Front-facing windows will be reinforced with ballistic safety film to strengthen glass and add an additional layer of protection.
These measures increase security while preserving the positive, welcoming appearance of our school.
Implementation of Raptor Safety Software
We are implementing Raptor Technologies, a nationally recognized school safety system that enhances emergency preparedness and visitor management.
Raptor will support:
Lockdown Procedures – Streamlined digital coordination during emergency situations.
Reunification Process – Efficient, organized parent/student reunification following an emergency event.
Visitor & Vendor Check-In – Secure screening of all visitors and vendors entering the building.
All visitors will be required to check in using the Raptor system and present identification. This allows us to properly screen and document individuals entering our school.
Our Commitment
At Kelso C-7, the safety of our students and staff is not a one-time initiative — it is an ongoing commitment. While we have recently completed several important security enhancements, our work continues. In the coming months, we will be upgrading our phone system to allow for more accessible and efficient lockdown capabilities directly from the central office. We will also be adding magnetic door security within the front office area to further strengthen controlled access points.
In Spring 2026, we will implement a School Safety Team that will take a comprehensive, in-depth review of our safety policies and procedures to ensure they align with best practices and current legislative standards. Through continuous evaluation and strategic upgrades, we remain dedicated to maintaining a safe, secure, and prepared learning environment for all.
We are grateful for your partnership and support as we continue working to keep Kelso C-7 safe and prepared.
If you have any questions about these updates, please contact the front office.