Vol. 5, No. 3 FEBRUARY 6, 2025
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Novi Community School District using technology to keep students safe BY CHARITY MEIER cmeier@candgnews.com
See TECHNOLOGY on page 12A
Photo by Patricia O’Blenes
Novi Police Cmdr. Jason Meier takes a picture in the Novi Police Training Center Jan. 28, three days before his retirement.
Retiring Novi police commander helped change department in many ways BY CHARITY MEIER cmeier@candgnews.com
After more than 26 years as a Novi police officer, and with a tear in his eye, Novi Police Cmdr. Jason Meier left the precinct for the last time as an officer on Jan. 31. However, the imprint he left on
the department, his colleagues and others remains. “Over the years his unwavering dedication, expertise and professionalism left a lasting impact on the department and the community,” Novi Police Chief Erick Zinser said during Meier’s retirement ceremony. See MEIER on page 7A
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The Novi Community School District has implemented numerous safety measures to protect the children within the district, and the school board received a report on the district’s efforts during a Jan. 23 meeting. Dennis Huisman, supervisor of safety and security for NCSD, presented the board with all the safety measures that have been implemented within the district since June of 2023. According to Huisman, one of the biggest things the district has implemented is the Raptor Emergency Management app. The app is on all staff phones and acts as an emergency button that coincides with Alyssa’s law. This means that as soon as the button is clicked, it will automatically call for law enforcement assistance. “It’s great in places that don’t have good PA service, maybe if a teacher is outside, this Raptor alert will go to their phone and alert them that there is an incident happening at the school,” Huisman said. “So you are not relying on a cellphone or a walkie-talkie. You are getting information right to your phone.” The app also allows staff to do reunification. The NCSD administrative staff were able to go through a live reunification exercise in June 2024 with the “I Love U Guys” Foundation at the ROAR Center. The exercise went through the process of reunifying students with their loved ones after an incident such as a gas leak or even a violent incident. This process ensures that kids get connected back with the right people after something happens.
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