When city students return to school next Wednesday, Aug. 29, many will notice a number of safety and security upgrades.

Along with the reopening of the upgraded Nathanael Greene Elementary School, the following projects are being completed to create a safe environment for staff and students, according to Supt. Patti DiCenso:

• New security vestibules, as well as camera systems and classroom phones, at Tolman High School, Shea High, Goff Middle, Jenks Middle/JMW, Slater Middle, and Winters Elementary, all as phase one of this particular project. In phase two, all other schools will be completed next summer.

• New traffic patterns for safe arrival and departure. Done in partnership with Mayor Donald Grebien and his staff, the work improves safety at schools and for neighbors of the schools.

• ADA compliant bathroom renovations at Shea High School and Slater Middle School, with all bathrooms at these two schools upgraded as part of phase one. In phase two, all Tolman and Goff bathrooms will be upgraded next summer.

• Fire protection upgrades to Fallon Elementary, Goff Middle and Jenks Middle (full fire alarm and sprinkler).

• And boiler upgrades to Fallon Elementary, Baldwin Elementary, and Shea High.

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