The city of Philadelphia has seen a dramatic rise in gun violence around its high schools and middle schools, which has made the district decide on some hefty changes in the school system.

On Friday, the school district released a letter to parents stating that middle school students will now have to face periodic weapon screenings in the morning upon their entrance to their classrooms.

The letter says that student safety is their top priority, although it may feel intrusive and inconvenient for many students. 

The screenings will begin on Monday, May 9, for sixth through eighth graders at six different middle schools per day, and be conducted at every middle and elementary school with middle grades at least once before the end of the school year.

The schools are selected at random.

Students will be searched by either metal detectors or hand wands, and a physical check of all bags, backpacks and personal items will be conducted. The search will be conducted by school security and will have a school leader in presence. 

The letter states that, “Any weapon found during the screening process will be confiscated and will not be returned.”

Some other weapons such as bb guns, knives, brass knuckles and even electronic shock devices will be taken away immediately. Any student in possession of a firearm will be detained by School Safety and referred to the Philadelphia Police Department.

Many parents believe that gun screenings in middle schools and high schools are necessary in order to keep their children safe.

Monica Lewis, the deputy chief of communications and spokesperson for the School District of Philadelphia told FOX 29, that their main priority is to keep students safe, in an environment where kids go so they can learn and thrive.

"We want to make sure people understand we’re doing everything possible to keep our schools the safe havens we believe them to be," said Lewis.

She also stated that parents at home should give their children a talk in order for them to understand why this is crucial for their safety.

"We want to make sure that first parents understand they should be having conversations with their children about weapons, and not bringing them to school," Lewis said.

So far, 165 people have lost their lives in Philadelphia due to gun violence this year.