September 2024 Safety Newsletter

The School Safety and Security team at Region 10 ESC provides superintendents, campus administrators, campus staff, and district law enforcement with relevant training, guidance, information and resources to improve all aspects of school safety and security.

2024-2025 REGION 10 SAFETY AND SECURITY TRAINING CATALOG

The Safety & Security Roundtable Series are developed to bring District Leadership, School Safety & Security Professionals, School Based Law Enforcement and school district stakeholders together to keep our LEAs informed of training requirements, legislative updates and trends affecting school safety. The goals of the roundtables are to:

• Explore critical safety issues facing schools
• Identify potential threats, risks or trends
• Examine potential solutions
• Information Sharing
• Collaborate with local, county & state partnerships
• Improve the climate of school safety

October 24, 2024 - Red Ribbon Week /Fentanyl Awareness REGISTER HERE

• October 10, 2024 - ISD Police Chief and Security Directors Forum -11:00 am -1:00 pm - Session #2661470
• October 24, 2024 - Safety and Security Roundtable - 9:00 am -11:00 am Session #2659736

ESC 10: Basic Plan/Cybersecurity Presentation 12-2 PM Session#2663803 -Virtual

Presenter: Lynn Lindsey

Moderator: Lana Johnson

ESC Contact: John Lawton, 972-348-1724

Virtual Presentation Description: This virtual presentation will cover the “deficiency” items from the EOP Basic Plan and Cybersecurity Annex checklists. The checklists are the tools TxSSC specialists use to review your district’s document submissions during the EOP Review Cycle, which begins on 9.23.2024. The presentation will conclude with a Q&A session. Please note, the security feature on this Zoom meeting requires all participants to have Zoom downloaded to the device they are using and be signed into their Zoom account to view the presentation. The Zoom link will be sent after registering.

Registration is now open. Additional information will be released soon.

• September 1, 2024 | All public school districts and charter schools MUST be in compliance with Minimum School Safety Standards.
• October 23, 2024 | Deadline Extended! Multi-Hazard EOP Basic Plan and Cybersecurity Annex submission deadline to TxSSC for all LEAs and open-enrollment charter schools. Connect with your TxSSC Regional EOP Specialist for more information.
• June 2, 2025 | Last Day to Amend SAFE Grant (Cycle 2 )
  
• August 31, 2025 | Grant End Date SAFE Grant (Cycle 2 )

Monthly 1-1:45 pm | 4th Thursday (CDT)

Join the meeting

Meeting ID: 283 320 778 806 | Passcode: 3dYqbX

• Make data-based decisions to improve school climate
• Coordinate with other teams that serve the campus to align MTSS processes
• Ensure that team members have completed behavioral threat assessment training
• Determine the training for staff and students on identifying and reporting concerning behaviors
• Review SSSP data from previous years to improve school safety
• Support the School Safety and Security Committee with planning and implementation of the campus multi-hazard emergency operation plan and safety training for school staff

Resources: Safe and Supportive Schools (PDF Excel Spreadsheet)

Questions: Email safeandsupportiveschoolprogram@tea.texas.gov

School Safety Dashboard Release: Sentinel will serve as the data reporting mechanism and repository for all safety and security-related data submitted by school district, open-enrollment charter school, campuses and other entities to TEA. This dashboard will be similar to last year's Intruder Detection Audit (IDA) Dashboard but all-encompassing for school safety. Login credentials are the same as what you used for the IDA Dashboard. Learn more

(Sentinel Update, June 27, 2024)

1. Superintendent add district designee(s) to Sentinel platform.
2. District designee uploads district calendar into Sentinel (professional development days, school closures, early release days, etc). Requires manual upload, not PDF or file version.

• Four Primary Components of Sentinel
• Statewide Programs - school safety initiatives required by state statute and under the purview of TEA’s Office of School Safety and Security which include:
• Intruder Detection Audits,
  
• Behavioral Threat Assessments,
• District Vulnerability Assessments, and
• Emergency Management;
• Data Integration - connecting data from multiple sources across an organization to provide a complete, accurate and current dataset for data analysis and other applications and business processes;
  
• Tools and Resources - elements or components of the systems that the user can interact with or use to gain a better understanding of their work; and
  
• System Supports - elements and processes designed to facilitate the functioning, optimization and automation of the system.
• All BTA reports must be loaded into Sentinel beginning 2025-26 school year.
  
• Districts are encouraged to review the District Vulnerability Assessment (DVA) rubric to determine how districts will be evaluated on school safety and mental health training, policies, and procedures.

For questions, information, or guidance related to this TAA, please contact the Office of School Safety and Security at SafeSchools@TEA.Texas.gov.

• AskTED Reminder: 2024-2025 AskTED update with new district/campus personnel for district programs, such as Business Manager, Counselor, Homeless Liaison, etc.
• The TEA Office of School Safety and Security will now be responsible for the Safe & Supportive School Program (SSSP) data collection due in June each year (data previously submitted to TxSSC). The TEA contact is Casey Stump, School Safety Data Analyst (casey.stump@tea.texas.gov).
• The TEA is committed to supporting LEAs in their efforts to improve the safety and security of school facilities. This TAA provides information related to the technology vendor directory referenced in TEC, Section §48.115.
  
• Texas has amended its education rules to require high schools to record student completion of Automated External Defibrillator (AED) training on official transcripts. This change goes into effect on August 1, 2024. Previously, only Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) training was required to be documented. Adopted Amendment to 19 TAC Chapter 74, Curriculum Requirements, Subchapter A, Required Curriculum, §74.5, Academic Achievement Record (Transcript)

• Texas has updated its education requirements to include AED (automated external defibrillator) training in addition to CPR for all students in grades 7-12. This change is effective August 1, 2024. Adopted Amendment to 19 TAC Chapter 74, Curriculum Requirements, Subchapter C, Other Provisions, §74.38, Requirements for Instruction in Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR)

• Texas has updated its school safety regulations. The new rules, which go into effect on August 11, 2024, are based on recent state legislation (Senate Bill 838 and House Bill 3) and aim to improve security in public schools. Adopted Amendment to 19 TAC Chapter 61, School Districts, Subchapter CC, Commissioner's Rules Concerning School Facilities, §61.1031, School Safety Requirements

• House Bill 1525, passed in 2021, temporarily required schools to get written parental consent before providing human sexuality instruction to students. This requirement expired on August 1, 2024. However, even without this specific mandate, schools still have the authority to require parental consent for such instruction under existing Texas law. Also, before a student may receive any instruction related to the prevention of child abuse, family violence, dating violence, and sex trafficking a district must obtain written consent from the student’s parent. TAA: Updated Guidance on Parental Opt-In Requirement

• Adopted Amendment to 19 TAC Chapter 61, Commissioner’s Rules Concerning School Facilities | Effective Date: August 11, 2024 | Changes since published as proposed

Inclusive Emergency Planning Strategies and Resources for K-12 Schools

SchoolSafety.gov’s new issue brief highlights elements of effective K-12 emergency planning, including the value of practicing emergency scenarios and planning for individuals with access and functional needs. The brief also includes a listing of resources, trainings, and guides to support schools in creating comprehensive and inclusive emergency operations plans. Download and share this new brief with K-12 school leaders and personnel to help inform emergency planning efforts that may take place over the summer break or during the upcoming school year.

Enhancing School Safety Using Behavioral Threat Assessment (September 12, November 20) – These virtual training events, hosted by NTAC, will highlight key findings and implications of NTAC’s research on school violence prevention. Attendees will learn about the background, thinking, and behavior of school attackers and how some schools discovered and stopped plots before violence occurred. This training will also provide guidance on how schools may develop or improve existing violence prevention programs utilizing a behavioral threat assessment model.

• • Distribute Safe Firearm Storage Resource letter to parents/guardians.
  • Establish SSSP Team and conduct training before first day of school.
  • Schedule fall Safety and Security Committee meeting. (SSSC Committee Guidelines)
  • Office of School Safety Regional Contact Information

• Technical assistance sessions
• An action plan will be created by Texas School Safety Center, which will be based on the outcomes of the technical assistance session.
• The Texas School Safety Center will issue an action plans to districts one to two weeks after their session. The action plan will support school districts with improving their threat assessment programming.

The Texas School Safety Center developed the Training and Exercise Toolkit to help school districts and open-enrollment charter schools plan for emergencies. The toolkit includes information from multiple organizations and agencies, such as annex and appendix documents, trainings, resources, and tabletop exercises. The Toolkit will be updated with new resources as more research is done.

• Records Transfers - Click Here for TEA TAA| Guidance Video |TXSSC Guidance Checklist
• See TASB Board Policy - FD (Legal) and FDA (Legal)

• District Audit Reports (DAR) | check status on the completion of the 3 year audit. The 3 Year Safety Audit Cycle began September 1, 2023, and ends August 31, 2026.
• TxSSC analyzed the results from the 2020-2023 DAR reports and created a list of recommendations to further help school districts pursue enhancing their safety and security posture. Download the Report.

EOP Training and Exercise Annex Toolkit

• Released March 2024

TAA Guidelines for Multihazard Emergency Operations for Individuals with Disabilities or Impairments

TEC 37.1086 required TEA to create guidelines that LEAs must follow when adopting/implementing their Emergency Operation Plans.

Fall, 2024 EOP Annex Submission

• Compliance required for All Public School Districts - TEC 37.115(b) and Charter Schools - TEC 12.104 (b)(3)(V) MUST be in compliance with the School Safety Standards by September 1, 2024.

Emergency Operations Plans

• TxSSC will request Multi-Hazard EOP Basic Plan and Cybersecurity Annex documents from all ISDs and open-enrollment charter schools on Monday, September 23, 2024 and the deadline to submit is October 23.
• Section 1.0 of both the Basic Plan Toolkit and the Cybersecurity Toolkit includes plan templates, completion guides, and evaluation criteria (checklists) to help districts complete and update plans. Connect with your TxSSC Regional EOP Specialist for more information.

• ESC 10: Basic Plan/Cybersecurity Presentation 12-2 PM Session#2663234 - Virtual

  Presenter: Lynn Lindsey

  Moderator: Lana Johnson

  ESC Contact: John Lawton, 972-348-1724

  
  

  Virtual Presentation Description: This virtual presentation will cover the “deficiency” items from the EOP Basic Plan and Cybersecurity Annex checklists. The checklists are the tools TxSSC specialists use to review your district’s document submissions during the EOP Review Cycle, which begins on 9.23.2024. The presentation will conclude with a Q&A session. Please note, the security feature on this Zoom meeting requires all participants to have Zoom downloaded to the device they are using and be signed into their Zoom account to view the presentation. The Zoom link will be sent after registering.

The North Texas Fusion Center (NTFC) has provided the attached School Safety Bulletin (SSB) in preparation for the upcoming 2024 school year starting in just a couple of weeks. This document outlines the different resources you can expect to receive from the NTFC and also the guidance on reporting a threat within your school utilizing iWatchTexas. SSBs will be distributed to all of our partners in the education community. While the NTFC will provide a draft email (similar to below), you may copy/paste and distribute the SSB at the your discretion.

Topics included in our SSBs include:

o Suspicious Activity Reporting, iWatchTexas, Indicators and Red Flags

o Special Event Safety

o Social Media

§ Popular Applications/Websites

§ Social Media Trends, Challenges, Dangers

§ Online Safety Tips

o Drugs/Alcohol/Vaping

o Campus/Physical Safety

o Benefits of Behavioral Threat Assessment Teams

o Cybersecurity

We appreciate any suggestions from our partners for future SSB subjects.

If you have received this email and have not heard of NTFC’s SLO program or are interested in participating or receiving information relevant to the education sector, please reach out directly to NTFC Deputy Director Lindsey DeBord at ldebord@co.collin.tx.us.

Finally, we know you are headed into a busy season, we are here to support you, and we appreciate what you do to help keep our students safe. If there’s any way we can be of further assistance, please don’t hesitate to contact us.

Thank you!

Wednesday, September 25 – Thursday, September 26

For the third year in a row, the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency will host the National Summit on K-12 School Safety and Security. This virtual event brings together K-12 school leaders and practitioners to discuss and share actionable recommendations that enhance safe and supportive learning environments.

The 2024 Summit will feature panel discussions, sessions and keynote speakers covering topics such as understanding and preventing youth violence, protecting K-12 networks, youth online safety, supporting student mental health, emergency planning and physical security, and restorative and intervention practices. These sessions are designed to foster a nationwide dialogue on some of the most critical school safety issues, as well as equip school stakeholders and personnel with resources, training and best practices to apply in their local school settings and communities.

This free event is open to anyone with a passion for improving school safety but will be of particular interest to K-12 school and district administrators; principals and superintendents; school-based law enforcement; teachers and school staff; mental health practitioners; first responders; federal, state, local, tribal and territorial government partners; and other school safety and security professionals.

The 2024 Summit will be held on September 25 and 26. Registration will open in late July. For more information, please visit cisa.gov/news-events/events/2024-national-summit-k-12-school-safety-and-security.

Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency School Safety Security Taskforce partnered with the U.S. Secret Service National Threat Assessment Center to develop the K-12 Bystander Reporting Toolkit. This toolkit is designed to help students and community members report safety and wellness concerns in schools. It provides strategies and guidance for K -12 schools and districts to improve safety reporting programs and encourage bystanders to report any issues they witness.

DEA Resource for Parents, Educators, + Caregivers

• Get Smart About Drugs

The TSHAC has updated both the Health Education for All Texas Students K-12 Grade and the Opioid and Substance Use Prevention Resource for Texas Schools documents, which are now posted online. Visit the Research and Recommendations developed by TSHAC and Resources created by TSHAC webpages to view these documents, alongside all other resources developed and updated by TSHAC.

TxSSC Fentanyl Prevention and Awareness Toolkit provides a variety of resources for school districts to educate parents and youth focused on the prevention of fentanyl use.

Crime Stoppers Fentanyl webinar information

Naloxone Texas

Naloxone Texas is a statewide initiative that aims to end the state’s overdose epidemic through medication distribution, public awareness, and workforce empowerment. To access virtual, on-demand, training in evidenced-based strategies for overdose reversal and prevention, visit the training webpage. For questions, please email naloxonetexas@uthscsa.edu.

Free Narcan Order Form: https://naloxonetexas.com/

One Pill Kills Campaign

Texas Health and Human Services Commission shares ample information on Fentanyl and the One Pill Kills Campaign teaching about how to stay away from Fentanyl and drugs. Teachers, staff, and parents can find more information on the campaign webpage.

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Vape-Free Future: Tools and Support for Young People (Truth Initiative)

Truth Initiative, Kaiser Permanente, and the American Heart Association have teamed up to create a free online program designed to prevent vaping among students called Vaping: Know the Truth. Learn more about the program and download the course overview on the curriculum webpage.

Young adults will learn tips to start their own conversations and spot the signs that a friend may be struggling. Watch them on Instagram. To learn more, you can also read AFSP’s news release.

Suicide Safer Schools Roadmap

• Overview Document (click image)
• The Roadmap
• One District's Comprehensive Plan Template

TEA's Mental Health Resources

General School Mental Health Resources

Mental Health Resources Database

Mental Health Best Practice Repository

Virtual Safety Planning Intervention Training |Texas Suicide Prevention Collaborative

Workshop teaches individuals how to help someone manage their thoughts and feelings of suicide in order to stay safe. 4-hour workshop on interventions that provides individuals with a specific set of coping strategies and resources to use at any time to decrease the risk of suicide.

• 8:30 - 12:30 p.m. | Oct. 24th.
• CEUs for multiple disciplines provided
• To register email suicide.prevention@hhs.texas.gov

Proposed Commissioner of Education Rules

House Bill 3 - Proposed New 19 TAC Chapter 153, School District Personnel, Subchapter BB, Commissioner's Rules Concerning Professional Development, §153.1015, Mental Health Training | The proposed new rule would implement the mental health training requirement established by House Bill 3, 88th Texas Legislature, Regular Session, 2023.

• Public Comment Period: July 19, 2024-August 19, 2024.
• Proposed Effective Date: November 5, 2024

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) released the 2024 National Strategy for Suicide Prevention (National Strategy) and accompanying Federal Action Plan. The National Strategy outlines concrete recommendations that seek to prevent suicide risk; identify and support people with increased risk through treatment and crisis intervention; prevent reattempts; promote long-term recovery; and support survivors. Suicide is an urgent and growing public health crisis, particularly among youth. In 2021, 22 percent of high school students seriously considered suicide, with nearly 1 in 10 having attempted suicide.

A free, one-hour workshop designed to help caregivers support a child who has experienced loss. Participants should register for one session, as the same workshop is being offered in

English and Spanish on several dates listed below.

Monday, August 5th: 6-7pm CT Spanish

The workshop will be held virtually via Zoom. Register

Bullying

• Anti-Bullying Prevention Initiative that Works!
• New TxSSC Video: "A Parent's Guide to Understanding Bullying"

Summer Safety

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has information and resources on keeping kids safe this summer. With summer comes the opportunity for various outdoor activities. Exposure to the sun, excessive heat, and water can be dangerous without proper preparation and protection. Share this CDC webpage with parents and caregivers to learn about sun safety, water safety, and staying safe while at home, work, or play.

Texas Advancing Suicide SAFER Schools Roadmap

(Clickable Link Below)

• Whole School, Whole Community, Whole Child (WSCC) Model | CDC Healthy Schools
  

Re-Entry Plans and the Law for school districts that have students returning to campus after hospitalizations or suicide attempts. More information TEC 38.351(i)(5)(A-B) and FFEB legal and local policy.

Suicide Care Texas Toolkit

Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) and the Texas Institute for Excellence in Mental Health have updated their mental health toolkit. The updates include increased guidance on best practices, practical guidance on implementing the elements of Zero Suicide, and examples from organizations on their implementation plans utilizing this framework. To view the full update, visit the Suicide Care in Texas Toolkit. To view additional resources, visit the resources webpage and scroll to the bottom for downloadable documents.

• TEA Supportive Schools Division and Project AWARE monthly webinars
• Elevating Mental Health & Wellness- May 9th, 2024
• Supporting the Mental Health of Special Populations- June 13th, 2024

• TEA General School Mental Health Resources
• TEA Mental Health Resources Database
• TEA Mental Health Best Practice Registry
• TIVA School Safety State Initiative Mental Health & Safety Resources

2023 Discipline Data Validation Compliance Reviews

On Thursday, February 29, 2024, the notification To the Administrator Addressed (TAA) announced the 2023 Discipline Data Validation Compliance Reviews. The 2023 Discipline Data Validation Manual outlined seven indicators. LEAs may retrieve a copy of their PBM 2023 Discipline Data Validation (DDV) report to determine if any 2023 indicators were triggered by logging into the Texas Education Agency Login (TEAL) portal to access the Accountability application.

The Data Reporting Compliance Unit (DRCU) made DDV compliance review forms available to LEAs for download from the Intervention, Stage, and Activity Manager (ISAM) application accessible through TEAL on March 5, 2024. LEAs will have a 2023 Discipline Data Reporting Compliance Review form to complete for each indicator triggered. For questions about the reports, indicators, or their calculations, contact the PBM Unit at (512) 463-9704 or PBM@tea.texas.gov.

Student Discipline Virtual Professional Development Training: The TEA Student Discipline Training registration is now offered through TEA. The training is intended for administrators and PEIMS personnel covering discipline policy, procedures, and data requirements. This is the original training in which registration was held through the ESCs. You can register by clicking the following link: Student Discipline Professional Development Training for Administrators and PEIMS Personnel.

Student Discipline Technical Resources are now located on the Student Discipline webpage: Student Discipline Program Technical Resources and Samples

• The REMS TA Center’s Emergency “Go-Kits” for K-12 Schools fact sheet
  
• Bomb Threat Checklist
  
• Fentanyl and Opioids: Preventing Overdoses and Related Emergencies at K-12 and Higher Education Campuses
  
• School EOPs In-Depth: Planning for Large Events
  
• Preventing and Responding to Bias and Hate Incidents in K-12 Educational Settings: A Toolkit for School and Community Leaders

SchoolSafety.gov launched its 2024 Back-to-School Campaign, a month-long initiative that highlights resources and guidance K-12 school leaders, educators, staff, and parents and caregivers can use to help prepare for a safe return to school.

• SchoolSafety.gov Back-to-School Checklist
  
• SchoolSafety.gov Back-to-School Reading List
  
• SchoolSafety.gov’s new Facebook page

Nemours KidsHealth provides online safety tools for parents, guardians, and families. This resource is also available in Spanish.

Crime Stoppers team is dedicated to providing free, relevant, and engaging crime prevention programming across the state. View the updated Statewide Menu of Services including these new topics: Fentanyl Awareness; Substance Abuse Prevention; Mental Health; and Prom Safety.

Strengthen Communication Between Schools and Local Law Enforcement

This free resource is designed to help strengthen communication between schools and law enforcement. Watch the recording and learn more about this combined effort from Education Service Center 11, Minaret Foundation, and Crime Stoppers.

These templates are provided as samples only. Districts should contact their legal counsel to determine if this meets their district needs.

REMS are designed to reinforce behaviors and actions that support safe schools.

• Visit the REMS TA Center Calendar to find trainings, web chats, conferences, and other stakeholder activities and events on comprehensive school safety topics for K-12 and higher ed practitioners. All events featured are FREE to participate.
• Parent-School Partnerships: Encourage effective communication between parents and guardians, teachers, and school administrators to contribute to school safety programs.
• Timeless School Safety Strategies Fact Sheet
• Adult Sexual Misconduct in Schools
• More Safety Resources