ESC Region 12 Safe & Healthy School
9/14/21 The More You Know
Region 12, Safe and Healthy Schools Training Dates
September 21, 9-11, session #248319
Safe and Healthy Schools Series + Office Hours
September 21, 1:30-3:30, session #233643
EOP Workday
September 27, 12-1, session #248466
School Board Human Trafficking
October 5, 9-11:30, session #239275
Human Trafficking for Superintendents
Online, On-Demand Courses
- Human Trafficking for Superintendents, session #252332
- Human Trafficking for School Boards, session #252323
- SB 11: The Omnibus School Safety Bill Canvas Course, session # 252334
- School Crisis Response & Communication During the Pandemic: Canvas Series, session #251154
*Watch our live calendar at https://tinyurl.com/23d8cp2r
Training available to schedule on-site:
- Behavior Threat Assessment (to train your Threat Assessment/Safe and Supportive Schools Team)
- Digital Responsibility & Social Media Safety (to train your students)
- True Colors (offered for students and staff as a team-building/self-awareness opportunity)
- AS+K Suicide Prevention (to train staff)
- Youth Mental Health First Aid (to train staff)
- Trauma-Sensitive Schools (to train staff)
*Contact us for pricing and to schedule.
RED RIBBON WEEK WRISTBAND ORDERING INFORMATION! 🚩 Order Your Red Ribbon Week Wristbands on September 21, 2021
September is National Suicide Prevention Month
WORTHY ANNOUNCEMENTS AND WORK
1. We are welcoming Jennifer Serrato to our ESC Region 12 Counseling Services Team. She can be reached at jennifer.serrato@esc12.net if you have any questions in the secondary area. She has a list-serve as well and sends out a newsletter for those who are signed up. Please email her and she can make sure you get on her communication list.
2. RED RIBBON WRISTBAND ordering will be coming up on Tuesday, September 21st, 2021 from 8:00 am until all 70,000 of the wristbands are claimed. The link will be sent out multiple times before ordering day, but if you would like to have it now and be ready to start ordering at 8:00 am on the 21st, you are welcome to do so.
https://www.esc12.net/redribbon
Remember: the link will NOT go live until 8:00 am on September 21st.
3. RED RIBBON PICK UP DAY: Once you order your wristbands through our Google Form, mark your calendar to send a representative from your campus to pick up your orders on Thursday, October 14th at our Building 3 location for a "drive-through" pick-up line as we were able to do last year. No orders will be filled early, so please do make arrangements and coordinate with your district for multiple orders and pick-up arrangements.
4. The Campus Safety Mazing presents Safety Planning for Volatile School Board Meetings
These strategies will help maintain security during school board meetings, protecting board members from potentially violent acts by disgruntled parents and other community members.
5. DFPS presents Become a Certified WhyTry Facilitator
The WhyTry Program is a social-emotional curriculum that has proven effective at increasing student resilience, motivating unmotivated students, increasing GPA, reducing dropout rates, improving social-emotional health, and reducing bullying and violent behavior.
The WhyTry Level 1 training is designed to give the attendees a general overview of the WhyTry approach, curriculum and introduce skills that facilitators need to begin using the curriculum. This training also includes an implementation discussion for any setting including an overview of strategies to use for virtual learning. After the WhyTry Level 1, attendees will be able to begin using the program immediately as a toolkit for in-person and virtual social and emotional learning. Registration is $599 per person.
Upcoming Training
WhyTry is an NBCC-Approved Continuing Education Provider (ACEP) and may offer NBCC approved clock hours for events that meet NBCC requirements.
The curriculum can be renewed for $99 annually per person.
6. MHTTC Grief Sensitivity Virtual Learning Institute Announcement
https://mailchi.mp/mhttcnetwork.org/mhttc-grief-virtual-institutes-announcement?e=fbff4e3158
7. Crisis Text Line presents Mental Health School Supplies
- Download Our Mental Health School Supplies
- Download Parents and Caregivers Edition
- Download Educators Edition
- Download Student Edition
8. The Department of Homeland Security presents the Violence Prevention Resource Guide
https://drive.google.com/file/d/17gAk7E7gCa6LgoTI5GmGcqsMqczQyONe/view?usp=sharing
9. FEMA presents the Individual & Community Preparedness Newsletter
https://content.govdelivery.com/accounts/USDHSFEMA/bulletins/2ef5e55?reqfrom=share
10. EPA Region 6 presents their Healthy Schools Newsletter
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1NbKv0ITXCTI2Z9Ef0w7I8Qch_KTu0igQ/view?usp=sharing
11. Office of the Texas Governor / Child Sex Trafficking Team presents R.E.A.L Friends Don't online safety campaign - empowers parents and caregivers to protect their children from harmful content, grooming, or online exploitation
12. Legislative Updates
- SB 2158 DNA Kits - Requires TEA to provide in-home DNA identification kits to all school districts and open-enrollment charter schools, to be distributed by the LEA to the parent/ legal guardian (upon request) for Kindergarteners to middle school students. The DNA kits allow families to work closely with law enforcement and appropriate officials to locate their child if the child becomes missing or their whereabouts are unknown.
- SB 1831 Signage Requirements - Requires all public and private schools to post warning signs about offenses and penalties relating to human trafficking of minors on and around school premises.TEA and the Human Trafficking Prevention Task Force will work together to develop rules pertaining to the warning signs information, placement, and distribution of posters that will be used for this purpose. TEA will provide further guidance at a future date; at this time districts are not required to do anything until the rules are in effect.
13. Mental Health Matters
- Trauma-Informed Care - SB 1267, Section 19 amended TEC 38.036, amended Subsections (c) and (d), and is adding Subsection (c-1) to read as follows:
(1) be provided:
(A) through a program selected from the list of recommended best practice-based programs and research-based practices established under Section 38.351;
(B) in accordance with the policy adopted under Section 21.4515; and
(C) as part of any new employee orientation for all new school district educators; and
(2) address how grief and trauma affect student learning and behavior and how evidence-based, grief-informed, and trauma-informed strategies support the academic success of
students affected by grief and trauma
(c-1) The training under Subsection (c) may include two or
more listed topics together.
(d) For any training under Subsection (c), each school district shall maintain records that include the district staff members who participated in the training.
*NCTSN Free Downloadable Guidance: Trauma-Informed School Strategies During COVID-19 and Child Trauma Toolkit for Educators
- Suicide Prevention - The Texas Suicide Safer Schools Roadmap is intended to be used as a planning guide for suicide prevention, intervention, and postvention by Texas school districts. This Roadmap provides public health information based on best practices for suicide prevention, intervention and postvention. It is recommended that each Element be used in the order presented, to ensure a comprehensive approach to suicide prevention planning.
- Legislative Update - SB 1267 amended TEC 38.351(h). Each school district shall provide training on suicide prevention programs that must include components that provide for training school counselors, teachers, nurses, administrators, and other staff, as well as law enforcement officers and social workers who regularly interact with students, to: recognize students at risk of attempting suicide, including students who are or may be the victims of or who engage in bullying; recognize students displaying early warning signs and a possible need for early mental health or substance abuse intervention, which warning signs may include declining academic performance, depression, anxiety, isolation, unexplained changes in sleep or eating habits, and destructive behavior toward self and others; intervene effectively with students by providing notice and referral to a parent or guardian so appropriate action, such as seeking mental health or substance abuse services, may be taken by a parent or guardian; and assist students in returning to school following treatment of a mental health concern or suicide attempt. Districts shall provide the training for teachers, school counselors, principals, and all other appropriate personnel. A school district must provide the training at an elementary school campus only to the extent that sufficient funding and programs are available. If a school district provides the training, the school district shall: require completion of the training in accordance with the policy adopted under Section 21.4515 and maintain records that include the district employees who participated in the training.
- Seize the Awkward recently released four new videos containing powerful advice for teens and young adults on mental health. Each video features expert advice on practical tips on supporting a friend who may be struggling with their mental health.
Learn the Signs (https://youtu.be/3jCCxsvYjA4)
Have the Conversation (https://youtu.be/8evtuxohDvU)
Tips for Better Conversations (https://youtu.be/gX0cQBL_RzU)
Conversation Starters (https://youtu.be/H-Q6ieH_Z08)
- Classroom WISE (Well-being Information and Strategies for Educators) is a free training and video resource library created by the Mental Health Technology Transfer Center Network. There is a self-paced learning course and videos perfect for sharing with staff, especially at the beginning of a school year.
Nurse's Corner
- In-person vision and hearing screening training sessions are on the website now for sign-ups. See training sessions at the top of the newsletter or search by keyword in escWorks. If you were one of those trained virtually last year for vision and hearing, practicum sessions with Paul Gonzalez from DSHS are also available now.
- DSHS is not offering any spinal screening sessions at this time. Watch for updates. RNs can do them without training by using the information on the DSHS website.
- COVID-19 News--TEA has published its newest guidelines: https://tea.texas.gov/sites/default/files/covid/SY-20-21-Public-Health-Guidance.pdf
Please note the Department of State Health Services (DSHS) Rule for students who have COVID.
- Here is a great resource from New York State Center for School Health and the section for Sample Health Services Forms and Notifications.
*Most of these documents are in Word or Excel so that they can be downloaded and edited for use.
- From the TEA COVID Response Team....
The current K-12 COVID Testing Project (this was schools that did COVID testing AT the school on students, staff, family) will stop being supported by the Texas Division of Emergency Management (TDEM) on September 15, 2021. The Texas Education Agency (TEA) and the Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) will roll out guidance for the 2021-2022 COVID-19 Testing Program in the coming weeks.
For districts and private schools already approved to receive tests under the K-12 COVID Testing Project, re-orders of COVID tests have not been permitted until 70% of existing tests have been reported. This limitation is being waived on a one-time basis to facilitate the re-order of supplies for the start of the school year. For the purposes of managing the remaining inventory, districts are permitted to request a number of tests up to the amount (maximum) identified below. To place an order, email k-12logs@tdem.texas.gov. If extenuating circumstances require additional tests, please email us at: COVIDCaseReport@tea.texas.gov
From the TxSSC...
- Advanced School Behavioral Threat Assessment Training – December 14, 2021
https://txssc.txstate.edu/events/adv-sbta-trainings/ - Advanced Digital Threat Assessment Training – December 15, 2021
https://txssc.txstate.edu/events/adv-dta-trainings/ - SBLE TCOLE 4064 - March 2-3, 2022
https://txssc.txstate.edu/events/sble-trainings/tcole-4064#in-person
2. TCOLE #4064 Virtual Trainings
The Texas School Safety Center School-Based Law Enforcement (SBLE) Training Division will host 20 free virtual and 20 free in-person TCOLE #4064 trainings beginning September of 2021. The goal of this training is to assist SBLE officers and school districts with compliance with legislative mandates requiring districts employing a peace/resource officer to create a policy requiring officers to complete education and training.
These trainings will be 20 hours divided into two 10-hour days. We have updated training materials to ensure that participants receive the most current information available. Topics will include:
- Child and Adolescent Development and Psychology
- Mental Health Crisis Intervention and Cultural Competency
- De-escalation Techniques and Techniques for Limiting the Use of Force, Including the Use of Physical, Mechanical, and Chemical Restraints
- Mental and Behavioral Health Needs of Children with Disabilities or Special Needs
- Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports, Conflict Resolution Techniques, and Restorative Justice Techniques
This training is open to school-based law enforcement, public ISDs, open-enrollment charter schools, junior colleges, and state agencies that support schools. Due to limited seating, vendors and contractors are not permitted to register or attend the training.
This training is free, but registration is required. Please register early for both virtual and in-person trainings.
Participants must attend the entire virtual or in-person training to be eligible to receive 20 hours TCOLE Credit.
For more information about the TCOLE #4064 trainings, please contact
Joe Munoz at joe.munoz@txstate.edu | 512.245.6827,
Sirenna Cumberland at scumberland@txstate.edu | 512.245.5856, or
Felisha Nauert at fbn@txstate.edu | 512.245.5284.
3. We are pleased to announce our 2021–2022 trainings. This fiscal year, some trainings will return to an in-person format, and some will remain virtual. We are excited to announce the launch of a new training, Sandy Hook Promise – Start with Hello, along with the continuation of trainings on key school safety topics, including School Behavioral Threat Assessment.
Register today for our Sandy Hook Promise – Start with Hello, School Behavioral Threat Assessment, Digital Threat Assessment, and Standard Response Protocol/Standard Reunification Train-the-Trainer (SRP/SRM) trainings.
Our in-person trainings will be hosted in partnership with Regional Education Service Centers. All virtual trainings will be provided through the Zoom online meeting/webinar platform.
4. School Safety Spotlight Program
Are you seeking to find a way to recognize someone for his or her outstanding service in school safety? We know many individuals and schools are working diligently to increase safety in their districts by collaborating, designing, and implementing programs. The School Safety Spotlight Program is an opportunity to nominate those individuals and schools for their hard work.
We want to hear what you, your school, district, or colleagues are doing to make a difference in our schools and communities as it relates to safety and security. Recognizing the creativity and diversity of Texas schools, programming, and personnel, the School Safety Spotlight Program has five categories from which nominations can be made. These categories include:
- Collaborative Community Partnerships
- Staff Development and Training
- Positive School Climate and Prevention Programs
- Student-Led Groups or Programs
- Outstanding Individual Service
Nominations for the fall will be accepted from September 1 - November 30, 2021.
The Texas School Safety Center will recognize the top scoring submission from each category in our quarterly newsletter, as well as on our social media platforms. All nominations selected in the fall and spring will be considered for recognition at our Texas School Safety Conference in June of 2022.
Visit the School Safety Spotlight Program webpage to learn more, view past recipients, and submit a nomination.
Other School Safety Topics
Required Training
TASB School District Training Chart August 2021
Behavioral Threat Assessment
Prevention is the best form of protection. The Secret Service National Threat Assessment Center (NTAC) publishes research and guidance to inform the best practices in implementing proactive targeted violence prevention programs in schools, including:
- Enhancing School Safety Using a Threat Assessment Model: An Operational Guide for Preventing Targeted School Violence
- Protecting America’s Schools: A U.S. Secret Service Analysis of Targeted School Violence
- Averting Targeted School Violence: A U.S. Secret Service Analysis of Plots Against Schools
When conducted properly, a threat assessment will involve providing robust interventions and support for students experiencing distress, thereby intervening with and de-escalating situations before they become violent. The primary objective of a student threat assessment is to provide a student with help while working to ensure positive outcomes for the student and the community.
TITLE IX
SHAC Committee
- HB 1525- Section 7 – Amends Section TEC 28.004
Firearms Prohibited Signage
- HB 1927, The Firearm Carry Act, effective September 1, 2021, allows unlicensed individuals to carry a firearm. As with concealed and open carry handgun laws, a school district can prohibit individuals from bringing a firearm onto the premises and other locations specified by state law. Notice is now required for the successful prosecution of an individual who enters district premises with a firearm. The text of the poster, as prescribed in Texas Penal Code §30.05, must be displayed in a conspicuous manner clearly visible to the public, in English and Spanish, and in contrasting colors with block letters at least one inch in height. TASB has designed a poster to be a companion to their Handguns Prohibited notices. Districts can access their TASB site for a copy.
Substance Use Prevention
- SAMHSA releases 15 new PSAs that encourage parents and educators to talk to their children/students about alcohol and other substances. Free downloads.
Legislative Updates
- HB 1525 - COVID-19 funded recovery activities - provides opportunities for LEAs to integrate personal and mental health supports into innovations. (1) New Resource Campus designation for certain schools that includes personal, social, emotional supports and hiring of a licensed counselor or mental health professional in the staffing pattern to address student support needs. (2) New PEIMS data elements for collecting information on truancy prevention measures, attendance truancy court filings, and the offering of high school equivalency programs, dropout recovery programs and adult education programs (3)Additional language to the school safety allotment on allowable expenditures for mental health personnel and interventions such as restorative practices in schools.
Back to School Tips (in English and Spanish) from Crime Stoppers of Houston
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1VdiwXj9lAZVUMq2cIAoh17O4boHGMB-e/view?usp=sharing
SAVE THE DATE for State and Nat'l Conferences
1. Register Now! October 14-15, 2021
The theme of this year’s conference is School Mental Health: Moving Forward Together. Each year, the Annual Conference on Advancing School Mental Health brings together leaders, practitioners, researchers, and other stakeholders in the school mental health field to share the latest research, best practice, and innovation. The conference emphasizes a shared family-school-community agenda to bring high-quality, evidence-based mental health promotion, prevention, and intervention to students and families as part of a multi-tiered system of support.
2. ACET Fall 2021 Virtual Conference
October 27-29, 2021
Register at www.acetx.org
Upcoming State Safe and Healthy School Deadlines
Public Schools should conduct a safety audit of facilities from September 2020 through August 2023.
Charter Schools should conduct a safety audit from September 2019 through August 2022.
2. District Audit Reports
At the culmination of the Safety Audit process, schools are required to submit a District Audit Report to the Texas School Safety Center.
The Public School expected deadline is August 2023.
The Charter School expected deadline is August 2022.
3. Threat Assessment/SSSP
Collection period September 1, 2020 through August 31, 2021 is due in November 2021 by Qualtrics survey (https://tinyurl.com/27fp2437). TEA will send a Qualtrics survey to Superintendents to collect data.
Take a look at the proposed data to be collected (https://tea.texas.gov/sites/default/files/november-2021-proposed-survey-questions.pdf).
Required training for ALL SSSP Team Members, virtually or in-person through TxSSC or your ESC.
Recommended Digital Threat Assessment training for SSSP Team members through TxSSC and is offered virtually.
4. Emergency Operation Plans and Annexes
Can be requested at any time by TxSSC.
HB 3597 now allows TxSSC to request that schools submit safety-related MOUs and Mutual Aid Agreements.
8/24/21 The More You Know
8/17/21 The More You Know
8/2/21 The More You Know
State Initiative Website
District Resources
Title IV, Part A FAQs
Title IV Frequently Asked Questions
Title IV Program Guide
TEA Federal Program Compliance Website
Promoting School Safety & a Well-Rounded Education for all Students
Contact us!
Michelle Butler, Education Specialist/Nurse
Jeni Janek, Education Specialist III/Coordinator
Heather Wheeler, Education Specialist
Email: hwheeler@esc12.net
Website: esc12.net
Location: ESC Region 12, West Loop 340, Waco, TX, USA
Phone: 254-297-1166
Twitter: @R12SafeHealthy