Sacred Hearts Academy has been taking steps to becoming a more safe and secure campus. Starting this week, all gates and entryways will be locked at 4 p.m.

Due to the Academy’s location on Waialae Avenue, the campus is opened to roadways on all sides. Unlike other school campuses, there is no single entry with a guard nor are there secured fences or gates keeping out intruders.

“In our world today, especially with what we see in the news and what we see in social media, it has created more of an awareness about why we need to make sure that we’re safe,” Academy Vice Principal Brandy Sato said.

The gates leading to the gazebo and surrounding courtyard, auditorium and chapel will be locked. The main doors to classrooms on the first, second and third floors will be locked. This includes doors to the robotics and art classrooms.

“We all need to be vigilant and observant of our surroundings,” Sato said. “That is one of the first and easiest steps we can take.”

If students feel threatened at school or in the surrounding area, Sato advises students to alert a faculty member as soon as possible. Students should also tell a member of the Academy’s faculty if they notice anything unusual or suspicious at school.

Additionally, all faculty and staff must wear their school identification badges during school hours. Teachers are also required to lock their classroom doors during class time.

Many students do not get picked up until after 4 p.m. Because of this, school administrators have made exceptions to the closed entryway policy.

Both the Business Office and the Student Center will remain opened to students until 5 p.m. and 6 p.m., respectively. Students may also stay in classrooms if a teacher is present.

“I would like to be able to go to my locker upstairs and sit at the gazebo,” said senior Mahea Sims-Tulba. She said it is often too noisy to concentrate on homework at the areas that are opened, stating that cheerleaders practice in those areas.

“At this stage, it is bringing awareness to everyone who is a part of our school community,” Sato said.