By Carla Marschall, Head of School
The safety and well-being of our students are the foundational priorities of our school. Following recent focus groups and individual conversations with families, Yokohama International School is preparing to implement updated campus access systems designed to balance a secure environment with our identity as a welcoming community.
Purpose and Implementation
Beginning with a soft launch on April 28, 2026, the school will introduce a new identification and check-in protocol for all adults on campus. This transition follows a period of reflection on how we can best adapt our systems to meet evolving safety needs while preserving the open atmosphere that defines our campus culture.
The updated system includes:
- Identification Lanyards: All adults will be required to wear a school-issued lanyard that clearly identifies their relationship to the YIS community.
- Digital Kiosks: A digital check-in and check-out process at campus entry and exit points will provide an accurate, real-time record of individuals on-site.
Strengthening Our Systems
These enhancements allow the school to effectively manage unauthorized access and maintain an essential real-time registry for emergency response. By formalizing these entry and exit procedures, we ensure that every adult on campus is accounted for, contributing to a consistently safe learning environment for students and staff alike.
Timeline and Engagement
To ensure a seamless transition for the August 2026 formal launch, we invite parents to engage with the following next steps:
- PTSA Community Circle: Join us on March 18 at 8:30 am to discuss the new access protocols and our broader commitment to campus safety.
- Materials Distribution: Family lanyards and temporary ID cards for the soft launch phase will be mailed to households during the weeks of April 13 and April 20.