Making Connections/School Safety
LISD Guidance and Counseling
Why is important to encourage your student to connect to their school?
Scientists who study youth health and behavior have learned that strong connections at school can help young people
• Get better grades
• Have higher test scores
• Stay in school longer
• Attend school more regularly
In addition, students who feel connected to their school are less likely to
• Smoke cigarettes
• Drink alcohol
• Have sexual intercourse
• Carry a weapon or become involved in violence
• Be injured from drinking and driving or not wearing seat belts
• Have emotional distress or eating disorders
• Consider or attempt suicide
(Source: CDC:Helping Your child Feel Connected to School)
How can I help my student connect to their school?
Get involved in their school (clubs, sports, band, choir, etc).
Eat lunch with friends.
Notify campus staff of any safety concerns
Notify campus staff of concerns for other students (self-harm actions or statements, etc.)
Memorize phone numbers for parents in case they are without their cell phone.
Reach out to your child's teachers
Help your child with homework
Read school newsletters/Skylerts
Volunteer at school when possible
Have conversations with your child
Keep lines of communication open
Ask questions that encourage students to voice their feelings, opinions, and ideas.
Recognize behavior changes and early warning signs.
Potential problems: social isolation, decline in grades, lack of interest in activities, poor sleep activities, and appetite change
Stay involved with your child’s activities.
Get to know your child’s teachers.
Communicate with teachers throughout the school year for updates on your child’s progress.
Stay informed on events, assignments, and tests.
Assist your child with seeking a balance with school, work, and extra -curricular activities
Get to know the parents of your child’s friends
Host the Get Togethers at your home
Create a safe place for kids to gather
Great time to watch interactions between peers
Encourage the inclusion of others
Use open ended questions about their day
Follow your schools social media sources
Who can I reach out to at my campus for help?
Campus Tip Line - any immediate concern
Campus Counselor - Please notify us with concerns regarding; emotional concerns, self-harm, poor grades, poor attendance, pulling away from friends, major life events, etc.
Campus Administrator - Please notify us with concerns regarding; weapons, drugs, emotional issues, grade issues, discipline, etc.
Resources
http://www.cdc.gov/HealthyYouth/AdolescentHealth/connectedness.htm
Student Health and Academic Achievement
https://www.cdc.gov/healthyyouth/health_and_academics/index.htm
What is LISD doing to help my child feel safe and connected to school?
ID’s - ALL Secondary Students, wear ID’s at school and school related functions. Safety Vestibules for check in “VOLY” volunteer registration and sign ups - In order for ANYONE to volunteer they must go through a vetting process through our partner program VOLY. LISD VOLY Raptor check for check in (mandatory ID check to enter campuses) Monthly Evacuation Drills - Students, faculty, and staff practice exiting the facility in a safe, organized, and calm manner; a system is in place to account for all students and their whereabouts in this drill. Ask An Expert - series- A series of informative videos about common mental health and wellness issues that apply to our students and families. LISD Ask An Expert TIPLINE - every school has a local anonymous reporting phone number for students/parents/community members to report any tips that may pertain to school safety. Visit your campus website fir further information. Student Resource Officers available at every campus. Drug Dogs- Drug dogs, with a police handler, are brought on campus to identify controlled substances and contraband. Professional Learning - Yearly training for faculty and staff on safety policies and procedures. ES/MS - Watchdogs - program connecting adult male volunteers to campuses. Visit your campus for further information. Social skills lessons taught in classrooms. Student Assistance Counselors DIstrictwide flyers for parents/guardians on Social Emotional topics Kindness Initiatives/Peer Mentoring - campus specific activities/programs - visit your campus counselor for more information.