This post has been updated to reflect that installation of intercom systems at school entrances is still underway.

Welcome to the 2021-22 school year! We wanted to take this opportunity to share a new visitor management practice with you. Effective immediately, visitors to our schools will need to sign in through a new visitor management system, called ScholarChip, located in the front office of each school building.

The new visitor management system requires school visitors to scan a government-issued identification card, such as a driver’s license. For visitors who do not possess this form of identification, front office staff will assist with an alternative registration process. Once registered, all school visitors will receive an official badge that they must wear for the entirety of their visit. Upon departure, visitors are asked to stop by the ScholarChip system again to check out. 

For our Spanish-speaking community, the ScholarChip system offers instructions in Spanish as well. The computer screen displays a toggle to switch to Spanish language if desired. 

We’ve created a short video to introduce you to our new visitor check-in procedure:

Also, over the coming weeks, ACPS will complete installation of intercom systems at the entrance of our schools. This security enhancement will require visitors to use the intercom system to request building entry. In response to a call through the intercom system, front office staff will grant building entry based on a verbal conversation along with visual confirmation provided by a camera.

Please note: In order to prevent the spread of COVID-19, the ACPS visitor policy continues to run under special provisions. All approved visitors to ACPS facilities are required to undergo a health screening for COVID-19 symptoms upon building entry. Additionally, visitors are not currently allowed in classrooms during the school day, and they must wear a mask and maintain at least six feet of distance between themselves and students. Visits are permitted for those who are volunteering, attending a meeting, or visiting for another purpose approved by the school principal. This protocol is subject to change in response to the pandemic. 

As always, the safety of our students and employees is of utmost importance. These new measures will allow us to better manage the physical and emotional security of everyone in our educational spaces. 

Best wishes for a fantastic school year!