As summer begins to fade across the US, millions of students are returning to the classroom. Many are returning for the first time since massive shutdowns began in March of 2020 due to Covid-19. As students, teachers and support staff return, there are hundreds (if not thousands) of little details all coming together to make the school year a success. One of those details is a sometimes forgotten thread that holds so much of the school together – the bell and intercom system.

 

Upgrading your school’s bell and intercom system can be an undertaking that requires much planning, but with many technological advances, two benefits are incredibly clear. Having effective and accessible school communication systems in place make the learning and working environment safer and smarter.

 

Making schools safer for everyone: Prepared, not scared

From room-to-room communication, office-to-room, or office-to-entire building, seconds matter when emergencies arise. Teachers, students and staff don’t have time to fumble with clunky, unreliable systems when help is needed. Since schools serve students of a wide array of ages and disabilities, the intercom and bell system need to be something that makes it clear what is going to every student. This helps to reduce chaos, students understanding what is going on and staff know how to properly respond.

 

While no school desires to ever have a need to use the emergency practices they have in place, Seventy-one percent of U.S. public schools reported that at least one violent incident occurred at school during the school year. Having the right intercom technology in place helps to ensure all in the building are prepared and not scared.

 

Smart technology produces smarter decision-making

No matter the size of the school district, the needs of synching bells across every room and location will always be there. Anyone in education knows no two weeks are alike. Testing, pep assemblies, holidays and delayed starts create needs for quick flexibility often. Having an intercom system that allows for quick, easy changes means personnel have the freedom to be focused on other pressing tasks.

 

When an emergency situation happens, people need to know what is happening and who is where. Today, school intercom systems can be integrated directly into the exsisting phone system and act as an auxiliary system to enhance your fire alarm. With a networked intercom, first responders and administrators can be notified via text or email. This means that important or emergency events can be initiated through push buttons or by a computer or other device via software and alert the proper authorities in seconds.

 

Emergency check-in notifications can be monitored for classrooms that aren’t locked down and calls can continue annunciating until they are answered. Rauland’s Telecenter U® offers an alert system that keeps school officials informed so that they can keep their school safe.

 

Conclusion

Beginning the process of upgrading a school’s intercom and bell system can seem overwhelming. Having the right team to assess your current infrastructure, consider your future needs and successfully implement your intercom system.

 

Audio Acoustics has helped many school districts in Southern Missouri, Oklahoma, and Southeast Kansas with upgrading intercom and bell systems. They have helped school districts evaluate current systems and make schools safer and smarter for everyone.

 

Is your intercom system ready to be upgraded?

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