T4PA School Safety State Initiative
Updates for School Districts — October 2021
TIVA State Initiative Upcoming Meeting Dates
TEA/TIVA Human Trafficking Webinar Series
- November 5; December 3, 2021; January 7; March 4, 2022 @ 10 am CT
- Zoom Link
2021 ACET Conference - Virtual
- October 26, 2021: Pre-Conference (additional $75)
- October 27-29, 2021: Main Conference
- Registration link
Substance Use, Alcohol, and Tobacco Prevention
Red Ribbon Week October 23-31
- Red Ribbon resources, visit the DEA website!
- TxSSC SayWhat! Mini-Grant Kits are a great resource for educators and provide projects that raise inform and raise awareness about drug/tobacco use. Schools are also able to request and download a merchandise kit that includes Red Ribbon Week bracelets, stickers, banners, and more.
- Red Ribbon Week additional downloadable resources from SayWhat!
- The Red Ribbon Week TikTok dance challenge is now open for Texas students in 5th-8th grade! For any questions and to receive the entry form, please email virtualredribbonweek2021@gmail.com.
National Prescription Drug Take Back Day - October 23, 2021
- Provides communities with the ability to safely, conveniently, and responsibly dispose of unused/expired prescription drugs
- For additional information or to find your local disposal location, visit getsmartaboutdrugs.gov.
Talking to Children/Students
- SAMHSA released 15 new PSAs that encourage parents and educators to talk to their children/students about alcohol and other substances.
- Free Downloads
- Quitting is a text messaging program designed to help young people quit vaping and other tobacco products.
- Participants receive evidence-based tips and strategies to quit and stay quit.
- Program is tailored based on age and the type of tobacco product they are trying to quit.
Child Abuse & Human Trafficking Prevention
TEA/TIVA Human Trafficking Webinar Series
- Next upcoming meeting: November 5, 2021 at 10:00am
- Upcoming dates
- Zoom link
Office of the Texas Governor / Child Sex Trafficking Team
- 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
Tools & Resources
- Hundreds of stakeholders are screening high-risk youth for trafficking and exploitation using the CSE-IT tool
- Commercially Sexually Exploited Youth (CSEY) programs
- Social Media Safety for Teens
- Gaming Safety
- Student Project Kit
- Tips for Tweens
- Peer Education and Mentoring Kit
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.
Mental Health / Behavioral Health Matters
Now Available - ABC Summit 2021 Resources
Following the completion of the 5th Advancing Behavioral Health Collaborations Summit in September, session recordings and access to the materials are now available!
- Session 1: Recording | Session Materials
- Session 2: Recording | Session Materials
- Session 3: Recording | Session Materials
- Session 4: Recording | Session Materials
- Session 5: Recording | Session Materials
Creating Supportive Environments for LGBTQI2+ Students and Staff in Schools
The South-Southwest Mental Health Technology Transfer Center Region 6 presents a new webinar series designed to bring together professionals from the school mental health field to share knowledge, lived experiences, affirming practices and resources to create supportive spaces for the LGBTQIA2+ community in schools in our region.
- Session 1: Setting the Stage - Stories and numbers
- October 28, 2021
- 5:00pm-6:00pm CT
- Registration Link and Additional Information
MHTTC Grief Sensitivity Virtual Learning Institute Resources
- September 2020 recordings and resources
- November 2020 recordings and resources
- 2021-2022 Grief Sensitivity Virtual Learning Institute coming soon!
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
CARE 5 Things Digest
- Crisis and Recovery Enhancement provides a regular newsletter highlighting 5 recommended resources in response to various crises. This issue centers the experiences of people most impacted by suicide with resources created by and for our communities with the highest and/or fastest growing rates of suicide: LGBTQ+ youth, Black and Indigenous people, Veterans, and people with prior histories of suicidal crisis. Suicide Prevention newsletter
"Are you ok?" Video
- The Family-Run Executive Director Leadership Association recently shared a video from a student in Montana that illustrates how one person can make a difference by simply asking a friend "Are you okay?" and helping them know they are not alone. Download Video
Culturally-responsive approaches to mental health and suicide
- Mental Health Technology Transfer Center Network released a list of resources:
- Socially-Distanced Suicide Prevention webinar recording
- The Impact of COVID-19 on Mental Health within AANHPI Communities
- Understanding and Treating Mental Illness in the Context of Asian Cultures and Anti-Asian Racism webinar recording
- Mental Health in Native American Communities
- Promoting Positive Mental Health Among Indigenous Youth document
- Suicide Prevention in Latinx and Indigenous Populations webinar recording
- Suicide Prevention in Hispanic and Latinx Youth document
- Tailoring Treatment for Gender and Sexually-Diverse Latinx Youth with Suicidal Behaviors
- Prevención del suicidio durante la pandemia COVID-19 | Webinar recording (Spanish offering of the "Suicide Prevention During COVID-19 and Beyond" webinar)
- Evaluando el Riesgo de Suicidio document
Parent Awareness
- Cy-Fair Independent School District published a suicide prevention newsletter to inform parents and communities of the signs of suicide and to provide information on how to help students who may be struggling with suicidal thoughts. The newsletter includes hotlines and prevention resources, as well as emphasizes the ways CFISD is specifically taking steps to raise suicide awareness.
District Planning Guide
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.
Resources for Suicide Prevention and Intervention is a document released by Texas Health and Human Services that includes State and Federal hotlines, trainings related to suicide awareness and prevention, related websites and apps, links to Evidence-Based Tools, and pertinent information for students.
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)
Bullying Prevention
October is Bullying Prevention Month
- Department of Family and Protective Services released their latest Social Media Toolkit! This newsletter includes valuable resources for parents and educators alike, as well as important dates and activities occurring during this month.
- The Office of Safe and Supportive Schools is hosting several events in October to celebrate Bullying Prevention Month. The purpose of these is to spread awareness on the importance of bullying prevention and promote kindness, acceptance, and inclusion. Prevention News Digest, October 2021 newsletter
- www.StopBullying.gov is a clearinghouse for all Federal resources relating to bullying.
Bullying Awareness and Prevention: Creating Safer Schools
- October 26, 2021
- 3:00-4:00pm EST
- Please join the Federal School Safety Clearinghouse for an informational webinar on bullying awareness and prevention resources, tactics, and strategies to create safer school environments. This session will provide information and resources to the kindergarten through 12th grade (K-12) school community.
- Registration Link
- October 27-28, 2021
- 5:00pm EST
- This symposium, presented by the Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention, will address important topics including current trends and research on identity-based bullying, cyberbullying, youth-related hate crimes, and how hate groups use social media and technology to reach, recruit, and radicalize youth.
- Registration Link
- Recommended only for those 12 years of age and older
- View the Course
- SB 2050 Relating to bullying and cyberbullying in public schools. Standards and reporting requirements are being created and will be released by TEA.
Other School Safety Topics
A Parent's Guide to School Safety Toolkit
- This toolkit created specifically for parents includes an introduction to key school safety topics, an overview of relevant Texas laws/policies, and provides information that will help equip parents to best support their child and the school.
- Toolkit Link
Violence Prevention
- The Department of Homeland Security recently published their 2021 resource list for federal, state, local, tribal/territorial, and private-sector partners. Document link
- **Mitigating the Threat of School Violence, 2021- Public Awareness Bulletin
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
- 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.
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.
School Safety Podcast - National Center for School Safety
Texas School Safety Center
- School Behavioral Threat Assessment: Virtual
- Digital Threat Assessment Training: In-Person (see link for training dates)
- SRP/SRM Train-the Trainer: In-Person and Virtual - this training has had recent updates
New and Updated Trainings through the TxSSC
- Multi-hazard Emergency Operations Plan (EOP) Development Series: Introductory Course
- Charter School Safety & Security Requirements Course
- Access these and more through the TxSSC Learning Portal!
The Sandy Hook Promise - Start with Hello Virtual Training
- This program teaches students how to be more inclusive and connected with each other. Activities and curricula available for all ages.
- Training Link
Upcoming Deadlines & Due Dates
Threat Assessment/SSSP
- Data Collection - November 2021 - TEA will send a Qualtrics survey to Superintendents on data collected September 1, 2020 - August 31, 2021. See proposed data collection here
- Required training for ALL SSSP Team members: Virtual TxSSC Threat Assessment Training or check with your ESC about in-person training.
- Recommended Digital Threat Assessment training for SSSP Team members offered virtually.
Safety Audits
- September 2020 - August 2023 - Public schools should conduct a safety audit of facilities
- September 2019 - August 2022 - Charter schools should conduct a safety audit of facilities
District Audit Reports
- At the end of the Safety Audit process, schools will be required to submit a District Audit Report to Texas School Safety Center.
- August 2023 Public schools expected deadline.
- August 2022 Charter schools expected deadline.
Emergency Operation Plans and Annexes can be requested at any time by Texas School Safety Center.
- HB 3597 now allows Texas School Safety Centers to request that schools submit safety-related MOUs and Mutual Aid Agreements.
TEA & Title IV, Part A Federal Programs Updates/Resources
TAA Letter - September 30th, 2021
Safe and Supportive Schools Program (SSSP) and the Annual School Safety Allotment Expenditures Reporting.
TAA Letter - October 7, 2021
School Health and Related Services (SHARS) Reporting Requirement.
School Counselors
- Pandemic Mental Health Support / School Counseling Interventions at Each Tier (Stephanie Lerner) PowerPoint Deck
Title IV, Part A ESC School Safety State Initiative
Title IV, Part A Compliance Website
Title IV, Part A Program Guide
Contacts
Nancy Galle, Title IV Part A School Safety Consultant
Amber Guthrie, Intern
Email: rpruitt@esc14.net
Website: https://www.esc14.net/page/t4si
Location: 1850 State Highway 351, Abilene, TX, USA
Phone: 325-675-8600
Copyright © 2021. Texas Education Agency. All Rights Reserved.