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District previews new Ronin entry scanners, warns parents to avoid large insulated cups at arrival
Summary
Board members reported on a new Ronin entry system and scanner pilot that can process high throughput and detect concealed items; the district signaled families that large insulated cups (Yeti/Stanley) may be banned at arrival to speed screening and reduce risk.
Members of the Middletown Board of Education reported committee findings on a new Ronin entry and scanner system and discussed related changes to arrival procedures at the Aug. 14 meeting.
Board member Mister Perino described the Ronin system as a noninvasive entry system that can move gates quickly and said "one gate can accommodate 1,000 students per gate." Perino said the system is sensitive and tied to a scanner that can flag items requiring secondary screening, and he likened its sensitivity to airport-style scanners. Perino and other board members said a demonstration visit to a district already using the system showed practical benefits for throughput and security.
Administrators said they will produce a short video for families showing how the system works and that staff will demonstrate the system during school move-up day. The district also signaled a change in items allowed at arrival: administrators said some large insulated beverage containers (Yeti and Stanley cups) will not be permitted in school because those containers have been depicted on social media as being misused and they require additional inspection at arrival, slowing the process.
Superintendent Amy Creedon and board members said the changes aim to balance safety with an efficient arrival process so students can enter buildings promptly. The district emphasized staff training and communication with families to implement the new hardware and arrival guidance.
The board received the report during the community engagement/committee reports portion of the meeting; no formal vote on policy change was recorded that evening, though officials said communication and implementation steps would follow before school starts.
