Elementary school takes strong security measures

FORT WAYNE, Ind. (WANE) A Southwest Allen County School (SACS) is making a significant effort to increase its security.

Whispering Meadows Elementary School (WMES) visitors will now have to schedule a visit 24 hours in advance and pass a background check.

""Even if they are coming in to work in a classroom, or they're coming in to visit, we're going to need a 24 hours notice before hand," said Superintendent Steve Yager.

Yager said this is in light of the tragedy that happened in Newtown, Connecticut at Sandy Hook Elementary School in December last year.

According to the notice that was sent home to WMES families, visitors will not be allowed past the school office unless their name is on the list of approved visitors.

See the notice that went home to Whispering Meadows' families

If you're looking to sign up to visit, it must be done through your student's teacher or a faculty member. You can also sign up by visiting the school district's website.

This is just a pilot program for Whispering Meadows Elementary only, with the potential of going district wide. There's no specific timeline when it will go district wide.

While other school districts are looking into arming staff members with concealed weapons, Southwest Allen County Schools will not consider the idea.

"We're not interested in training teachers or school personnel, additional personnel, in handing them weapons," said Superintendent Yager.

The new visitor policy will go into effect Monday.