RAPID CITY - The first greetings welcoming the hundreds of kids streaming into Central High School this morning will likely come from a member of the school's red-jacketed security staff.

"In the morning, we have two people up front more or less as greeters for the kids," said John Bates, head of security at Central. "It's always nice way to start their day off with a 'Good Morning' or 'Hello,'"

That kind welcome can help to smooth the day for a student whose morning might have gotten off to a rough start, Bates said.

Many Central students will be greeted by name, not a small feat when you consider that there are six people on the security team and about 2,300 students in the high school.

That's about one person for every 500 students, according to Bates.

Bates spends more time handling paperwork than working with kids, something he misses after eight years in school security.

Developing relationships with students and getting to know them is what the job is all about, he said.

Bates has worked for the Rapid City School District's security program since it started as a pilot program in 1999. He started at Stevens High School and moved to Central six years.

Josette Pourier started the same year at Central.

"I love working with the kids," the former law-enforcement officer said. Pourier worked in law enforcement for 18 years before joining Central's security team.

"The word security is really a misnomer," Bates said. "We're problem solvers, mentors and conflict resolvers."

Pourier and Norma Dupris are the only women on the team. Both have become surrogate big sisters, moms, aunties or grandmas to students.

Dupris had experience as a juvenile corrections officer before she was hired last year at Central.

Dupris is eager to meet the returning sophomores who she welcomed last year as nervous freshmen. "I like watching them grow."

Joining the security team was an "eye-opener" because of the number of kids and the size of the school, Dupris said.

On a busy day, Pourier and Dupris will log about 12 to 13 miles walking up and down the halls, climbing steps and patrolling the parking lot.

As they travel Central's hallways, each member of the security team watches out for potential problems and offers gentle reminders of the rules. And security officers need to be proactive and ready to step in to prevent situations that can get a student in trouble.

"You have to have the knack to communicate," Pourier said. Because they are so visible and familiar, students frequently turn to the security guards for advice.

Pourier and Dupris are always willing to offer a little "motherly" encouragement.

It means a lot to the kids to have someone who is supportive and encouraging, Pourier said.

Like her own mother, Pourier is always telling students that education is important," she said.

School security is not for everyone, according to Bates. Turnover is high. During his eight years with the district, 22 security guards have come and gone. Some have left for other positions, others because of the job.

Central's diverse student body gives students "real world" experience, Bates said.

"You look through our hallways and it's kind of like the make up of society," he said.

Bates said the diversity and changes in school district policies has made a difference in students' attitudes. Behavior has improved over the years.

Another change is the peace that settles over the hallways when classes are in session. Kids used to wander the hallways constantly.

When they come back for a visit, former students frequently comment on the contrast, Bates said.

A lot of that is because of the security team and their constant presence, Bates said.

As Native American women, Dupris and Pourier want to set an example for Native American students that getting an education is vital for a successful future, but both of them emphasize that they are not at Central for only the Native American children.

"When those kids come through those doors, I don't see color," Pourier said. "I get along with them all and try to help them get an education."

Contact Andrea J. Cook at 394-8423 or andrea.cook@rapidcityjournal.com