Spotsylvania County Public Schools takes the safety of our students and staff very seriously. To enhance our existing security efforts at Ni River Middle School, beginning on Tuesday March 3, 2026, we will launch the Evolv Detection System to screen students and visitors for potential weapons.
The Evolv weapons detection screening systems will be installed at the following locations:
• Main Doors/Front Entrance
• Bus Entrance to our 6th grade wing
All students and guests entering the building will walk through the Evolv screening detector. Students will need to remove their Chromebook and metal three ring binders from their backpack and prepare to hand it to a staff member when they get to the detector. Students will wear their backpacks and carry any other items (instrument cases, purses, gym bags, etc.) through the detector for screening. Students will simply walk through the screening system and follow the instructions of staff members stationed there to assist them.
At Ni River we are preparing students for this change by asking students to practice using these two entrances this week starting on Thursday February 26, 2026. We would like our students to enter the building with their Chromebooks and three ring metal binders out. We are also playing the following video in our falcon focus classes on Wednesday February 25, 2026.
About the Evolv Screening System:
The Evolv screening detector uses artificial intelligence and sensor technology to determine if an individual has a weapon on their person or contained within any items passing through the sensors. The detector can distinguish between a phone, keys, or other personal items and a potential weapon. The technology is quick and can screen 10 times faster than traditional metal detectors, reducing wait times. The Evolv screening detector we are using is the same system that has scanned more than 350 million people in the US, second only to the Transportation Security Administration (TSA). This technology is used at locations around the U.S., including schools, hospitals, theme parks, stadiums, and workplaces.
What happens when the System Alerts?
A low-volume alarm and a visible red light will alert staff to the potential threat. At the same time, the scanner will send an image to a tablet screen that shows the area where the potential threat is located. The individual will then follow the school's secondary screening guidelines, where staff will direct the student to empty their pockets, backpack, or belongings based on where the tablet identified the location of the threat. Students found with items that violate the school board policy will be disciplined as per the Student Code of Conduct.
A video will be shared with students before the installation to provide students with a look at the system and share our expectations. We encourage you to discuss these new procedures with your child and stress the importance of following the directions of those overseeing the scanning process. Also, please stress the importance of only bringing needed items to school. We ask that you also preview this video at home with your falcons.
Thank you for your continued support in keeping our schools a safe learning environment. Spotsylvania county has provided a parent guide, privacy and data security information, as well as health and safety information about the Evolv system on our website here. If you have any questions about the new Evolv detection system, please reach out to me.
Sincerely,
Dr. Ashley Faaborg
Principal, Ni River Middle School