Columbia Public School students return to class Tuesday

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

Students with the Columbia Public School District return to class Tuesday for the 2024-2025 school year.

With the first day of school, a visitor management and weapons detection system will be making its debut.

CPS is implementing a visitor management system called "Raptor" that will be placed in all school buildings. It is an electronic system that adds an ectra layer of safety while welcoming guest and replacing paper sign in sheets.

The Raptor system will require all visitors to scan their government ID to gain entrance. The system will do a check against the sex offender registry as well as check for anyone who may be banned from visiting.

Also being added this year is the weapons detection system that will be at Rock Bridge, Hickman and Battle High School. The system can detect weapons such as blades, guns, knives, brass knuckles and razor blades while ignoring everyday objects like keys and cellphones.

With the return of school, CPS wants to remind the community to be mindful of increased traffic, school zones, bus stops and kids walking or biking to school.