Safety First at DMS

January 12, 2026

Dear Dacula Middle School Families,

As part of Gwinnett County Public Schools’ (GCPS) continued commitment to student and staff safety, we are preparing to implement the Evolv weapons detection system at Dacula Middle School starting on Monday, January 26.

This system will be used during morning arrival at designated entry points. Evolv is a state-of-the-art, touchless screening technology designed to detect potential threats while allowing students and visitors to move quickly and safely into the building.

Here’s what you need to know:

1. Entry Points: Look for clearly marked entrances with Evolv systems.

2. There is no need to remove phones, keys, and wallets from your pockets, purses, or bags.

3. If an alert is triggered, a quick secondary screening may be required.

4. Arrive early to avoid delays.

The implementation of the Evolv weapons detection system is part of a broader, multi-layered safety strategy that includes:

• Enhanced staff training in emergency response and threat detection.

• Upgraded surveillance and security monitoring systems 

• Ongoing collaboration with local law agencies.

We appreciate your support as we work together to maintain a safe and welcoming school environment.

Kindest regards,

Kimberly Bussey
Principal

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DMS New Arrival Procedures

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To help students “Avoid the BLUES,” here are the items that will need to be removed from their bags and presented separately for screening:

·         B – Binders
Whenever possible, students should avoid bringing 3-ring binders with metal rings. If you want to avoid the shopping crowds over the break, folders will be on sale in the Falcons Nest as an easy, inexpensive replacement. If your student truly prefers using a binder, please make sure it has non-metal rings.

·         L – Laptops
Car riders will need to remove Chromebooks from backpacks before entering, as they cannot go through the system inside the bag.

·         U – Umbrellas
These should only be brought on rainy days. Otherwise, please keep them at home whenever possible.

·         E – Eye Glass Cases
Cases with metal hinges must be taken out before screening. If possible, consider a case without metal.

·         S – Spray Bottles
Cologne, perfume, deodorant, and other spray containers will need to be removed—or better yet, avoided altogether.

We know this is a change, but with your partnership and a little planning, our students will adjust quickly.

Please take a moment over the break to help your child prepare their backpack for second semester and think through what they truly need to bring each day.

Thank you for your continued support, your flexibility, and your trust. Together, we will keep our REAL Falcons safe, focused, and ready to soar.

 

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