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Dear Immanuel Families,
I pray you have been enjoying a wonderful and refreshing summer. While there are still many summer days left to enjoy, the Immanuel staff has been hard at work preparing for another exciting school year. We are looking forward to welcoming our students and families back very soon!
Our building construction continues to progress steadily, and we are excited to see the transformation taking shape over the coming months. As we prepare for these changes—including new classroom locations and updated uses of our learning spaces—we want to ensure that our safety procedures continue to reflect the needs of our changing campus.
This past spring, we requested a comprehensive safety assessment through the We Teach Truth Lutheran Education Safety Department. The assessment included a thorough review of our building and grounds, security systems, communication procedures, emergency protocols, and staff training. Based on the recommendations we received, we have chosen to implement several enhancements that will further strengthen the safety and security of our school community.
Visitor Aware
Effective July 1, 2026, Immanuel began using Visitor Aware, a new visitor management system that replaces our previous Raptor system. During a guest's first visit, they will scan a government-issued ID and complete a facial recognition scan. A visitor badge will be printed and should be worn throughout the visit. Guests will also check out before leaving the building, allowing us to maintain an accurate record of everyone on campus at all times.
After the initial registration, returning visitors will simply check in and out using the facial recognition scanner and a badge will be printed each time they visit. For your convenience, parents may wish to complete their initial registration during Final Registration on August 20 or 21.
Morning Student Entry
Beginning this school year, all students will enter the building through the Field House doors during morning drop-off. Having a single point of entry allows us to better monitor who is entering the building while providing a safe and orderly start to each school day.
We understand that some students will need to walk past the office or travel to other areas of the building to reach their classrooms. Please know that Immanuel staff members will be stationed throughout the hallways to greet students, provide assistance, and ensure every child arrives safely at their classroom.
Parent Drop-Off Procedures
The most significant change for the upcoming school year is one we have approached thoughtfully and prayerfully. Beginning with the 2026–2027 school year, parents will say goodbye to their children at their vehicles or at the Field House entrance rather than accompanying them to their classrooms each morning.
We recognize this is a meaningful change, especially for our younger students and their families. Please know this decision is rooted entirely in our commitment to providing the safest and most secure environment possible for every child entrusted to our care. It is not about limiting parent involvement or keeping families out of the building. Rather, reducing morning traffic throughout the building helps us maintain a secure campus as students begin their day.
Parents who need to conduct business in the school office during morning hours are always welcome to enter through the main office entrance, where they will be buzzed in by our front office staff.
First Day of School
We also recognize that the first day of school is a special milestone for every family. To celebrate this exciting occasion, parents are welcome to accompany their child to their classroom on Wednesday, August 26, if they wish. We hope you will enjoy capturing a few photos and sharing in the excitement of a new school year.
Following drop-off, we warmly invite all parents to join us for the Opening Chapel at 8:10 a.m.
Families of our K3 and K4 students will also have the opportunity to walk their children to their classrooms on their first days of school, September 8 and 9. Additional information regarding K3 and K4 arrival procedures will be shared in the coming weeks.
Our Partnership with Families
One of Immanuel's greatest blessings is the strong partnership we share with our families. We deeply value your involvement in the life of our school and remain committed to fostering a welcoming community where students, parents, and staff grow together in Christ.
There will continue to be many opportunities for parents to be part of our school community, including Wednesday morning Chapel, field trip chaperoning, volunteering for special events, serving as library helpers, and other activities throughout the year. We will continue to communicate these opportunities as they arise.
Thank you for your understanding and support as we implement these important safety enhancements. Together, we are creating a learning environment where every student can grow academically, spiritually, and relationally. We look forward to partnering with you for another wonderful year at Immanuel.
God's blessings,
Mrs. Comfort
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