Visitor Aware
Beginning in 2024–25, MMSD will be using a new tool called Visitor Aware to allow guests access to our schools and buildings. Visitor Aware is a digital platform that manages visitors by electronically documenting their visit. In addition to eliminating the need for traditional pen-and-paper sign-in sheets, this new software allows us to:
- Improve visitor accountability: By requiring all visitors to sign in and out electronically, we can accurately track who is coming into our buildings in real time. Visitors must also indicate where they are going in a building.
- Enhance emergency preparedness: In the event of an emergency situation, real-time visitor information is crucial for any safety response, especially in evacuation or lockdown situations.
- Strengthen staff and visitor communication: The system will facilitate clear and timely communication between front office staff, principals and visitors. If a visitor is not recognized or needs to be reviewed by the principal, a discrete notification will immediately be shared that will prompt front office staff to connect with their building principal and/or the Office of School Safety.
Think of it as similar to a person using their image to unlock their mobile phone. Visitor Aware uses this same technology to ensure those accessing each school building are documented and approved for entry.
After initial check-in or pre-registration, visitors will typically be able to check in with only their photo, as Visitor Aware utilizes facial recognition – just like unlocking a mobile phone using a person’s image – in order to match an existing visitor profile with the photo taken during their check-in. The facial recognition system is comparison-based, which means it matches a live photo to an ID photo or previous photo, rather than storing facial templates .
Note: In order to check in using the system, there must be a 95% or higher match of the face analysis from previous visits and a current photo. In the event a visitor is not recognized, they will be prompted to check in using identification or front office staff will cross check their information with our Infinite Campus system.
FAQs
Visitor Sign-In and Registration
- Is pre-registration available?
- Do students and staff need to register and sign in?
- What do I need to register?
- What happens if an individual does not have an ID?
- What if an individual does not have a current address?
- How will staff know a visitor is valid?
- What if a visitor forgets to check out?
- Do non-school age children need to register or sign-in?
Is pre-registration available?
Do students and staff need to register and sign in?
What do I need to register?
What happens if an individual does not have an ID?
What if an individual does not have a current address?
How will staff know a visitor is valid?
What if a visitor forgets to check out?
Do non-school age children need to register or sign-in?
Data Collection
- What data is collected during the initial check in or when pre-registering?
- What is this information used for?
- Who can see the information collected and what happens to that information?
- How long is information stored?