Starting Monday, November 4, Fossil Ridge High School’s front doors will unlock at 8:35 a.m., a big change for students and families who use the building before school starts at 9:05 a.m.

Security reasons were part of the reason for the later opening, Fossil Dean Melissa Stapleton said. In addition, the front doors will stay locked the whole day except for 10 minutes before and after each period starts.

The change puts Fossil in line with other district schools, the dean said.

“This is just a standard operating procedure,” Stapleton said. “If you try to get into other schools you have to buzz in and there are cameras.”

For several years, Fossil has kept the building doors open from 6:45 to 9:15 a.m. to give students time to finish their homework, take tests or eat the school-provided breakfast.

“For as long as most people can remember, our doors have opened at 6:45 so students can have free access to the school,” Stapleton said. “Now because of the world we live in, safety and security are a huge priority.”

Stapleton expects growing pains, but staff will be around in the mornings reminding students that the doors are locked.

“This is going to impact some people pretty significantly, so for two weeks there will be somebody here at 7:30 to remind folks about the change that is happening,” Stapleton said.

Some students at Fossil are dropped off early due to their parent’s work schedules.

“I need to be here early because I don’t have any other carpooling,” sophomore Kushal Bolletla said.

Many students will have to change their routines because of this new procedure.

“I might just stay outside,” Bolletla said. “I’ll start working like I usually do and wait for the doors to open.”

The morning time at school allows students can do their homework, especially if they have after-school activities or sports.

“I just like to get my school work done,” senior Xochitl Ponder said. “It’s convenient for me and for my schedule.”

Stapleton knows it will be an adjustment but is hopeful.

“It’s going to be much more secure than it has been previously,” Stapleton said.