Dear PGSD community, 

Our school district is committed to creating a safe, welcoming environment where students can learn and grow. As part of that ongoing promise, the Pascagoula Gautier School District will begin using weapons detection systems at both Pascagoula High and Gautier High when students return from the upcoming holiday break. 

This is a proactive step that adds an early layer of protection and allows us to stay ahead of potential risks rather than respond after something has happened. This is the same technology already in use at athletic events in the District, so students, staff, and community members will be familiar with the system.

Our goal is to keep this process simple, respectful and fast while maintaining a positive school climate. The system is designed to help identify items shaped like weapons while allowing students to move through arrival quickly. Students will walk through the detection towers when they enter school.

To prepare students for the new school arrival procedures, the following guidelines may help:

• Students should stay in a single file line and follow staff directions.

• Backpacks and personal items can remain zipped unless a staff member asks to follow up on an alert.

• Chromebooks, laptops and large three-ring binders will trigger the system. Students may be asked to briefly hold these items in front of them if needed.

• Cell phones, keys, earbuds and small items can stay in pockets or bags.

• Instrument cases will have to be individually searched. 

Each school will share specific details about arrival procedures before students return from the holiday break on January 6, 2026. You can now find a weapons detectors FAQ page on the District and school website homepages. 

Thank you for your partnership in keeping our schools safe. We remain committed to creating learning environments where students feel protected, supported and ready to learn each day.