Safeguarding Our School Communities During Unprecedented Times

Fundamental school safety and security responsibilities are freighted with complexity and have created an urgent need for school leaders to better prepare for possible mishaps, missteps and unwanted emergencies. Each school chronicles their safety measures in an annual Comprehensive School Safety Plan. Is it enough?
This workshop asks school leaders to think outside the “safety” box. Participants will explore multitiered levels of safety supports, a spectrum that bolsters student learning and well-being, including a trauma-informed approach needed for students and staff who experienced trauma during the past years. Continuous upgrading of safety and security policies and practices with various remedies for safety infractions based on the emotional impact to students and staff who are struggling with pandemic mental health issues are addressed.
Safeguarding our school communities requires care and a broader vision of safety, one that school leaders need to rethink each day. [ST86]