Enhanced Security at Ridgecrest Elementary: A Commitment to Safety

Ridgecrest Elementary's entryway is getting a mini makeover. Your child's safety is our top priority, and we are excited to share some positive updates regarding our ongoing efforts to enhance security on campus. 

Secure entry vestibules serve as single-entry points during school hours and contribute to creating a safer environment for everyone. 

The Capital Projects budget will also fund the construction of secure entry vestibules at Fruitland, Waller Road, and Wildwood this year. By the end of the 2024-2025 school year, all elementary and junior high schools within the Puyallup School District will operate with these secure single-entry point vestibules. 

Secure vestibules at our schools function as friendly checkpoints, similar to the check-in process at medical facilities. 

• Guests arrive at the main entry doors to the school and press a call button on the Door Intercom\Camera station to contact the office staff. This provides two-way communication and video of the visitor to the office staff.
   
• Office staff confirm the reason for the visit with the visitor and request quick proof of identification, like a driver's license. The doors remain locked until the guest checks in with the office.
   
• Once confirmed, office staff unlocks a single leaf of the main entry door, allowing visitors to enter the secure vestibule. The interior set of doors leading to school hallways remain locked, and a single door leading to the main office is unlocked, directing the visitor into the main office to check in unless a check-in window is available.

We aim to make this process seamless and reassuring for everyone involved. These secure vestibules are an additional security measure and contribute to a more comfortable learning environment for your child. 

Looking ahead, our team plans to extend this security measure to all schools in the district. Plans for Puyallup, Rogers, and Walker High Schools are in the works, pending additional grant funding or community support through the passage of a Capital Bond. 

We appreciate your ongoing support as we work together to prioritize the safety and well-being of our students. 

Keep Schools Safe. Report Concerns. 

See Something. Say Something. 

A threat against a school is a crime. Visit Safe Schools Alert to make a report or call 911. 

 https://puyallup-wa.safeschoolsalert.com/