Dowling Catholic High School, West Des Moines, IA
An unmistakable sense of safety
How a leading Iowa high school created an unmistakable sense of safety by unifying five disparate systems into one intelligent platform.
5+
Systems replaced
1
Campus
170+
Quicklert devices
1
Platform
“Our teachers feel at ease now. They have a sense of reassurance that they are never alone. If there is ever an incident in their classroom, we can get eyes and ears right away and see and walk them through it.”
Matt Meendering
Principal, DCHS
THE CHALLENGE
Fragmented and cumbersome systems
Dowling Catholic High School (DCHS) was burdened by a collection of separate, expensive, and ineffective systems for campus communication. This fragmented approach created dangerous gaps, especially when immediate and unified communication was critical during an emergency.
The need for simplicity
The school needed to ‘truly unify’ its entire communications experience under a single, easy-to-manage platform.
Disconnected systems
Separate systems for bells, PA, intercom, and emergencies were limiting and expensive.
Ineffective experience
The cumbersome experience for teachers, staff, and students was not just inefficient, but a potential danger in a crisis.
THE SOLUTION
One Platform to unify it all
Quicklert’s One Platform replaced every disparate system with a single, elegant solution that modernized the entire campus experience.
Vibrant, visual communication
Static-ridden audio was replaced with crystal-clear video announcements from students, and intercom calls became visual.
Advanced AI-powered security
Live video monitoring in hallways and classrooms is enhanced with AI-based weapons detection for proactive safety.
Modern digital clocks & bells
Old analog clocks were replaced with digital clocks embedded in speakers and tablets, and new, seasonal bells were introduced.
Environmental sensors
The system provides sensor-based alerts for smoking and vaping in restrooms and locker rooms, improving student health and safety.
THE DEPLOYMENT
How it works
The district achieved a full deployment of the Quicklert All-in-One Platform and AI-powered devices across all four campuses over a nine-month period, integrating comprehensive communication and safety solutions at their own pace.
Student-led video broadcasts
Static-ridden audio announcements were replaced with vibrant, student-led video broadcasts. These engaging messages are sent directly to every ConnecTabs in classrooms and IP speakers in hallways, ensuring clear and consistent communication.
Two-way video intercom
All intercom calls, whether to the main office or between classrooms, are now two-way video calls. This provides crucial visual confirmation for any request or incident, allowing staff to see what is happening and respond more effectively.
AI-powered security & monitoring
Discreet cameras embedded within the Quicklert hardware provide live video monitoring enhanced with AI-based thread detection for proactive threat identification. In restrooms and locker rooms, environmental sensors automatically detect smoking or vaping and send silent alerts to administrators, improving student health and safety.
Modernized bells & clocks
Old analog clocks and harsh bells were replaced across the campus. New, always-accurate digital clocks are now embedded in every ConnecTab and IP speaker. The bell system was also modernized, allowing for personalized schedules with seasonal music and themes.
One-touch help & Mass Alerts
Teachers and staff now have one-touch help buttons on every device, allowing them to silently and instantly request assistance. The platform also enables authorized staff to launch campus-wide mass alerts for emergencies, sending critical information to every screen and speaker simultaneously.
Simplified central management
All of these functions are managed from the central Quicklert Management Platform. This “single pane of glass” approach greatly simplifies administration, allowing a small team to manage the entire campus communication and safety network with ease.
THE RESULTS
Unified campus. Elevated security.
Dowling Catholic High School simplified and unified every aspect of campus communication, increasing both efficiency and safety.
Simplified campus communications
The PA, intercom, clocks, bells, and announcements were all unified under a single, integrated platform.
Greatly simplified administration
All functions are managed from a single pane of glass, reducing the personnel required for administration.
Enhanced teacher reassurance
Teachers feel at ease knowing help is just a touch away, with two-way visual confirmation and communication.
Total campus modernization
The platform provides live video for everything, from announcements to intercom, plus one-touch mass alerts.
Products deployed
OD & ODS
Omnidirectional sound, strobe and LED lights.
ODSC
Dual 5 MP cameras and LED bar light.
ODSCD
Dual cameras and dual 15.4 displays.
Mounted Tablets
All-in-one multipurpose device for any room.
Smart Display
Smart Display for any enviroment from 24 to 85″.
Relay Gateway
Unifying systems and communications.
QUICKLERT IN ACTION
See the transformation
The Quicklert platform delivered comprehensive and transformative results across the district.
