June 24, 2025
Good afternoon, Prince George Families,
I hope this message finds you well as you and your family enjoy the summer vacation and all the fun and excitement it brings. I'm writing today to discuss some enhancements to our school security efforts that have been developed in collaboration with our school communities and with support from our school board as we prepare for the upcoming school year.
Beginning on the first day of school on Monday, August 18, 2025, OPENGATE object detectors will be used at J.E.J. Moore Middle School, N.B. Clements Junior High School, and Prince George High School to screen students as they enter the building. They will also be used at student events, athletic events, and after-school events at all levels for the upcoming school year.
For some of you, the OPENGATE devices may be familiar as they have been used to screen guests on their way into the stadium for the graduation ceremony, and as a precautionary security measure at our campuses during the school year. These devices are designed with efficiency in mind, allowing for a seamless screening process that significantly reduces the need for students to empty personal items and belongings and will enable students to get to class on time.
The OPENGATE detectors are capable of detecting a wide range of metallic items, including knives and firearms, ensuring prohibited items do not make their way into our schools.
We understand this new process will take some adjustment for our students, families, and school communities, which is why we are sharing this with you ahead of the year, along with some information about what to expect once school opens in August. While we are continuing to refine the screening process ahead of our opening, we can share that OPENGATE screening detectors will be used in the following areas of Moore, Clements, and the high school:
- Moore Middle School: Two points of entry, at the front doors, and the bus loop entrance.
- Clements Junior High School: Three points of entry at the two main front doors and the rear car-rider entrance.
- Prince George High School: Three points of entry at the main entrance, the bus loop entrance, and the gym lobby entrance.
As we prepare to implement this new enhancement to our security protocols, we ask for your patience as we fine-tune processes during the first few days of school to provide efficient screening to prevent delays in students heading to class.
Finally, we will share more information as we approach the start of the school year, including during orientation sessions later in August.
As a reminder, orientation will be hosted on the following dates and times:
- Prince George High School - August 12, 2025, 3 p.m. - 6 p.m.
- N.B. Clements Junior High School - August 13, 2025, 3 p.m. - 6 p.m.
- J.E.J. Moore Middle School - August 14, 2025, 12 p.m. to 4 p.m.
- Note: Specific team orientation sessions times will be shared by Moore Middle School closer to the August 14, 2025 session. Please monitor your email and the Moore Middle School website.
- All Elementary Schools - August 14, 2025, A.M. Sessions
- Note: Your Child’s School Will Share Specific Times Prior to Orientation Day, But All Orientation Sessions for Elementary Campuses Will Take Place During the Morning of August 14, 2025. Visit Your Child’s School Website for Updates Prior to Orientation Day.
We appreciate our school board for making the investments that made this enhancement to our campuses possible and your support of our collective efforts to keep our schools safe for our community.
Thank you, and please continue to enjoy your summer! We look forward to seeing you in August for another fantastic school year!
Sincerely,
Dr. Wayne Lyle
Superintendent
Prince George County Public Schools