School Safety Matters

Let's make 2024/2025 a healthy and safe year for students and staff. How can you help? You can begin by reading this newsletter! We will bring you monthly tips and tricks for safety. Remember to report safety hazards to your building administrator, custodian, and/or your building safety committee.

We hope you enjoy the Risk Management swag that was recently delivered to your building!

• pen with stylus
• sticky note pad
• super slick school calendar to stick to your monitor or keyboard

A safe school year begins with good, active supervision.

• Set Clear Expectations and Guidelines: Define rules for the playground, gym, and all school areas.
• Minimize Unsafe Behaviors: Early rule-setting helps reduce the risk of accidents and unsafe behaviors.
• Reinforce Safety Rules: Remember to reinforce rules after winter and spring breaks to maintain safety.
• Establish a Positive Tone: Initial rule-setting supports a safe and successful school year.
• Emphasize Active Supervision: Ensure staff provide quality supervision by actively circulating throughout the play area, maintaining sight and sound of all students.

• Did you know that power strips that are not properly plugged directly into a wall outlet or plugged into another power strip can catch fire?
• Did you know that artwork and teaching materials cannot cover more than 50% of the walls they are displayed on?
• Did you know that you must have clear paths in your classrooms to exits?

Please take a look at the linked Fire Safety Checklist for more tips to keep students, staff and buildings safe.

As we transition into fall in Oregon, the weather can still fluctuate, and some hot days may lie ahead. Learn to recognize what to do and what to look for when it comes to heat related illnesses.

The CDC has some guidelines to prevent heat related illnesses:

• Stay cool
• Stay hydrated
• Stay informed

Check out the CDC links above and our own BSD Heat Illness Prevention Plan

Many of our September injuries occur because people are rushing as the school year begins. Let's make September a "Slow Down" month to prevent these incidents. Tips below!