The arm of a GHAPS school visitor scanning an ID to sign into the system

Visitor Management System

Over the last several months, the GHAPS Department of Safety and Security and the Department of Technology have been working to roll out an electronic Visitor Management System in each of our buildings throughout the district. 

The new system helps us keep track of who is in the building at all times so we can continue providing a safe, welcoming environment for everyone. Some of you may already be familiar with this system, as we have been piloting it at Grand Haven High School and Griffin Elementary since last school year.

The video above provides a walkthrough of how to use the system, whether it’s your first time in the building or you’re a regular visitor. 

The most important things to remember when visiting our buildings during the school day are:

  1. Always enter the building through the main entrance and check in with the office staff.
  2. If you are planning to enter the building past the main office during your visit (if you are volunteering or reading to a class, for instance), please remember to bring a valid government-issued ID with you to the office.

Our staff will help scan visitors into the new system during their first visit, and then each time after that, you will be able to scan in at a kiosk, which will print out a visitor’s badge after running a quick background check that includes the Sex Offender Registration and any flags or local alerts inputted by school personnel.

As with all technology, we anticipate a learning curve with this new process and potential technical difficulties that may pop up along the way, so please offer the office staff at your building some grace as the new system is rolled out. 

Frequently Asked Questions

Our GHAPS Visitor Management System from Raptor Technologies screens each visitor’s information against registered sex offender registries and our school database each time they enter a GHAPS school building. 

This system helps us keep track of who is in the building at all times so we can continue providing a safe, welcoming school environment for everyone. 

This process is only required for those entering GHAPS school buildings beyond the front entrance and office area. Those stopping in to briefly drop off, pick up, make deliveries, etc., will not be required to scan in.

Please note: GHAPS employees entering our school buildings during the day will not be required to sign in using the new system but should wear a GHAPS badge at all times, enter through the main office, and quickly check in with the office staff before entering the building.

  • During your first time using the system, a staff member will assist you with scanning your valid government-issued ID at the front desk. 

  • After your ID is scanned the first time, you’ll be able to swipe your ID at the kiosk each time you visit. 

  • The system will match your ID with our school database and run a background check that includes the Sex Offender Registration and any flags or local alerts inputted by school personnel. 

  • If the background check is successful, the system will print you a temporary visitor’s badge.

  • The badge must be worn visibly at all times while in the building so our staff are able to easily identify you as an approved visitor.

  • After your visit is complete, please be sure to return the badge to the front office and scan out when leaving.


Thank You for Keeping Our Schools Safe!

Thank you to the staff who have helped get the new system up and running, those who are helping parents and other visitors get comfortable with this new system, and our entire Bucs community for your continued understanding and cooperation. With your support, we are continuing to improve the systems and processes that help ensure a safe environment for our students and staff.

Trent Carithers
Director of Safety and Security
Grand Haven Area Public Schools


Contact Us

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Trent Carithers

Education Service Center
Phone: 616.850.5025