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What are the hours for the driveway chains?
Chains across the driveways will be put at 7:00 p.m. at the Bradley Boulevard entrance and the secondary River Road entrance and at 10.00 p.m. at the main River Road entrance and the softball field. The chains will be taken down at all entrances by 6:15 a.m., Monday through Friday. On weekends the chains will be taken down only on the River Road entrance and the softball field, again by 6:15 a.m. Adjustments to these hours will be made as necessary for special events.
Why electronic card keys?
The Datawatch electronic card key system is part of Norwood’s overall plan to enhance campus security. The electronic system gives Norwood the ability to control and monitor access to buildings and the flexibility to provide temporary restricted access to non-employees when necessary.
Which doors have electronic access?
The following four doors have electronic card key readers:
· Middle School Main Entrance
· Athletic Center Back Entrance
· Steuart Building Main Entrance
· Murray Building Main Entrance
How does my card key work?
The Datawatch system uses “proximity readers” to scan your card key. You do not need to insert the card into the reader. Instead, you simply wave it in front of the reader, located on the right hand side of each set of doors.
When will my card work?
Norwood faculty and staff have 24/7 access to all four electronic doors.
What about my regular Norwood key?
You will keep your regular Norwood key to use on internal classroom and office doors.
What about other outside doors at the school?
These doors are to be used only for exiting the building. Entrance to the school will be directed to the four card key doors. The doors should never be propped open.
Will all non-card key outside doors be locked during school hours?
All outside doors will be locked with two exceptions:
When will the card key doors be unlocked?
The electronic doors are on the following schedule:
What if we need the doors unlocked for special events or meetings?
For special events and meetings the doors will be programmed to be unlocked for a specified period of time. Datawatch requires 24 hour notice to reprogram a door. Contact Kathy Jahn to request that a door be unlocked after hours.
May the electronic doors be propped open?
No! You should never prop open the electronic doors. As a security measure, a locked door may only be held open for 60 seconds. After 45 seconds a beep will sound to remind you to close the door. After 60 seconds, an administrator from the school will be notified that there has been a security breach and someone will go to school to investigate.
How do I get out?
The doors are equipped with a motion detector that automatically allows you to exit (the little green light above the door). Whether locked or unlocked, you open the door and exit as you do now.
What is the red “Push to Exit” button to the left of the doors?
This is a safety feature that automatically unlocks the doors. You should not press it unless the doors have malfunctioned.
What if the power goes out?
If the power goes out, all four doors will automatically unlock. This is a mandated safety feature under Montgomery County Code. Power outages can be caused by electrical problems associated with fire. The doors unlock and an administrator of the school is immediately contacted. If the power is off for an extended period of time, the doors will be manually locked and then unlocked when power is restored.
What if others need access to the building?
Norwood will issue card keys as needed to parents, contractors, or others requiring after hours access to the building. Such keys will be programmed to work only for a specific door for a specified period of time.
What if I am expecting someone who does not have a key?
Norwood has portable, wireless doorbells on each of the doors. Each door has its own portable bell you can carry with you. The exact range of the bells will be labeled on the portable unit. The portable units will be kept near each door and must be returned after use.
What if I forget my card?
If you forget your card after hours you are out of luck. You can try the doorbell, but if no one is home, there is no way for you to enter the building. During school hours you do not need your key to enter the Middle School main entrance, the Steuart building, or the Murray building.
Where should I keep my key?
Where to keep your key is a matter of personal choice. Most people prefer to keep them on their key rings. You should not need your key during normal business hours except to enter through the Athletic Center.
How do I know which card is mine?
Each card has a serial number printed on the back that is used to identify the owner. You do not need to put your name on your card and you should not put the name of the school on your card.
What if I lose my card?
Lost cards should immediately be reported to your report to person. Your card will be deactivated and you will be issued a new card.
Are visitors required to sign in?
Yes. All visitors to the school, including parents, will be required to sign in at either the Middle School entrance or the Steuart Building entrance. Visitors will sign in and wear a “Visitor” label. Parents have been issued special badges on Norwood lanyards to wear when at school.
Will the system monitor who enters the building after hours?
Yes. The system can track when card keys are used to open lock doors.