HALO Smart Sensors- Notification Message

March 5, 2024

Dear Students, Parents and Guardians

Chinook High School is participating in the next phase of a pilot project in which HALO smart sensors (https://halodetect.com/) have been installed and activated in our washrooms and gym change rooms. These sensors detect different problematic behaviour: use of vapes (both tobacco and THC), use of combustibles (e.g. cigarettes, both tobacco and marijuana), excessive occupancy, aggressive behavior (through pressure differences and vibration), calls for emergency/help and tampering with the devices. When one of these is detected, administration is notified right away via email, and both an audible alarm and lights will flash. It is important to know that no audio, video, or other biometric information is recorded that can be used to identify individuals.

The detectors have been installed and have been running in WCHS since semester 1 and have been shown to be effective in reducing incidents in the washrooms. The Chinook admin team has/will visited block 3 classes today and tomorrow to discuss with students the detectors, the reasons they have been installed, and to answer questions.

We realize and acknowledge that washrooms in our building, and indeed in high schools throughout the city, province, and North America, are locations where concerning behavior has significantly increased, particularly since the increase of prevalence of vaping and since COVID times when students are looking for areas for both some privacy and to avoid supervision. Chinook students and families have let us know about their concerns with our washrooms. In conjunction with this pilot project and increasing awareness of the problem, we are asking for support and cooperation from families to discuss with students the appropriate use of washrooms. Staff want to work together with students, parents/guardians, and the community to continue making Chinook a safe place to learn. The HALO detectors are a useful tool to help us focus in on problem areas, but with over 1200 students and only 100 staff in the building we all need to work together to continue to make Chinook a place where students feel safe and comfortable, and learning and growth is the focus for us all.

Thank you, and if you have any questions, please do not hesitate contact administration.

Sincerely,
Chinook High School Admin Team