The DHS Federal School Safety Clearinghouse External Advisory Board—established July 2024 with the goal to enhance school safety nationwide—upholds a mission to support K-12 communities by providing practical, evidence-based safety resources.
The board consists of a diverse group of experts, adhering to a multidisciplinary approach widely acknowledged as a best practice as it ensures well-rounded and effective school safety initiatives. Members bring experience in education, mental health, public safety, law enforcement, cybersecurity, and more.
Just shy of a month following their appointment, the members of the school safety advisory board have compiled a list of resources designed to help districts safely go back to school with key toolkits.
This blog shares insights to the board’s shared resources and the value the school safety advisory board could bring to our nation’s school security initiatives.
Learn from Members of the DHS School Safety Advisory Board at the 2024 SchoolSAFE Conference
Board members Melissa Reeves and Michele Gay are key figures in school safety, and their expertise will also shine at the 2024 Raptor SchoolSAFE Conference.
This conference, set for November 5-6, 2024, at the Omni Fort Worth Hotel in Texas, is essential for those committed to enhancing school safety. It offers:
- Over 60 interactive sessions
- Strategies to improve safety protocols
- Insights on mental health and emergency response
Melissa Reeves, a school psychologist and senior threat manager, emphasizes early interventions and suicide protocols. Her role illustrates the critical blend of mental health and safety strategies.
Michele Gay, co-founder of Safe and Sound Schools, brings a personal commitment to school safety. Her work ensures that every school community is equipped to protect students daily.
Attending the Raptor SchoolSAFE Conference provides invaluable insights from leaders like Reeves and Gay. Join us to enhance your school safety plans and foster safer learning environments. Secure your place today for an opportunity to learn and collaborate with experts dedicated to safety innovation.
Latest Resources Available through SchoolSafety.gov
1. Back-to-School Campaign Webpage
The Back-to-School Campaign includes an overview of resources like the Back-to-School Reading List, Checklist, Safety Readiness Tool, and Community Bulletin. It also features infographics and social media posts to promote school safety. The campaign empowers K-12 communities to utilize these tools for a safer school year.
2. Back-to-School Checklist PDF
The Back-to-School Checklist outlines seven actionable steps for K-12 school leaders to enhance safety and support. These steps include conducting school climate surveys, improving mental health literacy among staff, ensuring clear reporting mechanisms for safety concerns, informing the community about cybersecurity risks, understanding child exploitation, evaluating physical security, and reviewing emergency operations plans. The checklist serves as a practical guide to ensure comprehensive school safety.
3. Back-to-School Reading List PDF
This reading list offers a curated selection of the 650+ resources available on SchoolSafety.gov aimed at helping K-12 schools create safe and supportive learning environments. Key areas covered include emergency operations planning, bullying prevention, mental health support, cybersecurity, and resilience. The reading list provides actionable insights and guidance to prepare for a safe school year.
4. Safety Readiness Tool Webpage
The Safety Readiness Tool helps schools evaluate their current safety measures through a comprehensive assessment. It offers a personalized action plan with recommended resources and funding opportunities. This tool enables schools to identify areas for improvement and implement effective safety strategies.
5. Campaign Communications Toolkit PDF
This toolkit provides strategies and templates for promoting school safety initiatives. It includes sample social media posts, newsletter content, and other communication tools to help schools spread the word about safety practices and resources. The toolkit aims to engage the school community and raise awareness about the importance of school safety.
6. School Safety Resources Webpage
The School Safety Rescources webpage provides a variety of resources, including one-pagers, issue briefs, and a Grants Finder Tool. These materials offer the latest news, events, and resources related to school safety. The center serves as a hub for information to keep school communities informed and prepared.
Importance of Federal Resources
The DHS Federal School Safety Clearinghouse External Advisory Board adds significant value to school safety initiatives. The board provides expert guidance, ensuring schools have access to the best practices and evidence-based resources.
Key contributions of the board include:
- Offering expert advice on implementing safety measures
- Fostering collaboration among educators, mental health professionals, and law enforcement
- Ensuring the dissemination of effective safety practices through SchoolSafety.gov
The board’s impact enhances school safety, delivering benefits such as:
- Improved emergency preparedness
- Strengthened mental health support
- Increased overall security for students and educators
Schools and districts are encouraged to leverage the board’s expertise to optimize their safety efforts. The board is poised to make a lasting impact, bringing positive changes that will shape a safer and more supportive environment for all K-12 students and educators.
Stay Informed with Raptor’s School Safety Today Newsletter
School leaders, educators, and community members should explore and implement the resources available on SchoolSafety.gov. Staying informed and engaged is crucial for maintaining a safe learning environment.
Subscribe to Raptor’s LinkedIn Newsletter, School Safety Today, to stay updated on the latest school safety information and best practices.
Related Resources
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