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Pascagoula-Gautier School District

Learners Today, Leaders Tomorrow

PGSD: Safe Schools. Strong Futures.

PGSD: Safe Schools. Strong Futures. FAQ

PGSD’s first responsibility is student and staff safety.

  • PGSD is committed to creating safe, welcoming schools where students can learn and grow. By adding the weapons detection system to our high schools, we are providing one more layer of safety to support our campuses. Our goal is to strengthen school safety in a proactive way that prevents threats before they reach the classroom. The weapons detection system adds an early layer of protection so we can stay ahead of potential risks rather than respond after something has happened.

  • Our two high schools, Pascagoula High and Gautier High, will have the weapons detection systems. Metal detectors are already in use at our Opportunity Center campus.

  • The system is triggered by items that are shaped like or contain the kinds of metal used in weapons. This includes things like:

    • Guns or gun parts
    • Knives or blades
    • Vapes

    Everyday items like phones, keys, or water bottles usually do not set it off because the system is designed to ignore common personal electronics.

     

  • PGSD’s OpenGate weapons detectors work similarly to a smart doorway that can sense metal objects without touching anyone. When someone walks through, the system uses gentle, safe energy waves to check if they’re carrying something like a weapon. It doesn’t use X-rays, and it isn’t harmful. You just walk through normally, and it helps keep everyone safe by alerting staff if something dangerous is detected.

  • Anyone who enters the PHS and GHS buildings is subject to screening. This includes students, staff and visitors.

  • Screenings will be conducted by PGSD’s School Resource Officers. Each officer has been trained on the weapons detection systems and safety protocols.

  • Yes, students will need to take the following out of their bags and hand it to the SRO conducting the screening: 

    • Laptops
    • Big, heavy binders with thick metal rings
    • Umbrellas with long metal frames
    • Large camera lenses
    • Sports equipment with dense metal parts (like baseball bats)

  • The school’s SRO will take the individual to a secondary screening, which may include checking backpacks or handheld detection wands.

  • If a weapon or illegal substance is found, PGSD will follow existing safety policies and procedures.

  • This will vary by school and day, but we encourage students to arrive earlier than normal in the first few weeks of school. It should take less time each day as schools become more familiar with the practice. 

  • Yes, weapons detectors will continue to be used at athletic events and other large gatherings on PGSD campuses.

  • OpenGate technology offers advanced weapon detection without using any harmful radiation. This modern, touch-free process is completely safe for everyone, including children, pregnant individuals, and those with pacemakers or other medical devices.

  • Yes, anyone who enters PHS or GHS will be screened.

  • If someone refuses to take part in the screening process, they will be asked to leave the property. If they are a student, their parent or guardian will be called, and they will be sent home.

  • Yes, please see PGSD Board Policy JCAB for the District’s protocol for school and student searches.

  • In line with FDA guidance, visitors and staff with implantable or wearable medical devices should consult their device manufacturer or physician regarding exposure.

  • Submit your question here: PGSD weapons detectors inquiry

cheat sheet for weapons detectors

Dear PGSD community,

Our school district is committed to creating a safe, welcoming environment where students can learn and grow. After a successful launch of the weapons detection systems in our high schools this past January, the Pascagoula-Gautier School District is expanding the use of our weapons detection systems to both Colmer Middle School and Gautier Middle School starting September 2, 2026.

This proactive step adds an early layer of protection and allows us to stay ahead of potential risks rather than respond after something has happened. This is the same technology already in use at our high schools and athletic events in the District, so many of our students, staff, and community members will already be familiar with the system.

Our goal is to keep this process simple, respectful, and fast while maintaining a positive school climate. The system is designed to help identify items shaped like weapons while allowing students to move through arrival quickly. Students will walk through the detection towers when they enter school.

To prepare students for the updated school arrival procedures, the following guidelines may help:

  • Students should stay in a single-file line and follow staff directions.
  • Backpacks and personal items can remain zipped unless a staff member asks to follow up on an alert.
  • Chromebooks, laptops, and large three-ring binders will trigger the system. Students may be asked to briefly hold these items out in front of them while walking through if needed.
  • Cell phones, keys, earbuds, and small items can stay in pockets or bags.
  • Instrument cases will need to be individually searched.

Thank you for your partnership in keeping our schools safe. We remain committed to creating learning environments where students feel protected, supported, and ready to learn each day.