January 5th, 2024 - Information on Our School’s New Safer Access System for Our School’s Front Entrance

Dear families and staff of P.S. 211 Elm Tree Elementary School,

We have some important news to share regarding the safety measures at our school.

In line with our commitment to enhance security practices, all NYC Public Schools will have a Safer Access system installed during the 2023-25 school years. The Safer Access system is designed to strengthen our existing safety and security practices as part of the overall visitor protocols at our school.

What is Safer Access? 

The primary objective of the Safer Access system is to ensure that all doors remain locked outside of the morning-entry and afternoon-dismissal periods.

When school doors are locked, visitors wishing to gain access to the building will ring the intercom at the main entrance door (or ADA-accessibility entrance if applicable) and identify themselves before access is granted into the school building.

Safer Access allows our dedicated staff assigned to the main desk (School Safety Agents and/or school staff) to be able to see and speak with visitors before granting them access inside. Please be assured that all visitors to our school will continue to be treated with courtesy, professionalism, and respect while awaiting entry into our building. In addition to enhancing safety, this system allows for easy access for first responders during an emergency.

Our Safer Access system is installed and operational, and our school staff (including School Safety Agents) are prepared to support all visitors in accordance with our policy.

We believe Safer Access will greatly contribute to maintaining a secure learning environment for our students and staff.

We look forward to the NYC Public Schools Safer Access system creating a safer environment for everyone. Please feel free to let me know if you have any questions. Thank you for your continued support in keeping our school community safe.

Sincerely,

Principal Niven