I am honored to introduce myself as the new Director of the Louisiana Center for Safe Schools (LCSS). My name is Jackie Manton, and I bring with me 30 years of dedicated service in the Louisiana Army National Guard, where I developed a strong foundation in leadership, strategic planning, and community engagement.
Prior to joining LCSS, I had the privilege of serving as the Director of the Youth Challenge Program and Job Challenge Program for the State of Louisiana. In this role, I worked closely with all Louisiana Educational leadership along with our youth by guiding and supporting them as they navigated their paths to success and resilience.
I am excited to be a part of the LCSS community and look forward to collaborating with each of you to ensure the safety and well-being of your students and staff. My goal is to build upon the strong foundation already in place and to drive forward our mission of creating a secure and supportive educational environment for all.
Please feel free to reach out to me with any questions, ideas, or concerns. I am here to support you and work together towards our shared vision of a safe and thriving school community.
Sincerely,
Mr. Jackie Manton
Director, Louisiana Center for Safe Schools
American Heart Month
February is American Heart Month
Did you know more the 23,000 children experience cardiac arrest outside of the hospital each year? And that every year, over 350,000 cardiac arrests happen outside of a hospital, with most happening at home. Sadly, only 10% survive. By giving someone CPR you can double or even triple their chances of survival. Be ready when it matters most. Learn CPR and become part of the Nation of Lifesavers.
Cardiovascular disease is the No. 1 killer of women. Since 2004, the American Heart Association’s signature women's initiative Go Red for Women has addressed the awareness and clinical care gaps of women’s greatest health threat, cardiovascular disease (CVD). We are prepared to meet the evolving needs of women now, and at every age, every stage and every season of their lives as their trusted, relevant source for credible, equitable health solutions.
February 7th is National WEAR RED day!! Feel free to also wear RED every Friday in February!
SEND US PICTURES to SafeSchools@la.gov of your schools celebrating American Heart Month and wearing RED!! Who will you WEAR RED for?
Click here for 7 easy changes you can make to improve your heart health.
Teen Dating Violence Awareness & Prevention Month
Each February, young adults and their loved ones nationwide raise awareness about teen dating violence through Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month (TDVAM). This annual, month-long effort focuses on advocacy and education to stop dating abuse before it starts.
Dating violence is more common than you may think, especially among teens and young adults: 1 in 3 U.S. teens will experience physical, sexual, or emotional abuse from someone they’re in a relationship with before becoming adults. And nearly half (43%) of U.S. college women report experiencing violent or abusive dating behaviors.
According to the Center for Disease Control, teen DV has both serious short-term and long-term consequences. While healthy relationships tend to have a positive effect on emotional development and future relationships, abusive relationships often do the opposite. Dating violence victims are likely to experience suicidal thoughts, antisocial behaviors, depression and anxiety, and engage in unhealthy behaviors such as alcohol and drug use. Unfortunately, many cases go unreported because victims are afraid to tell their family and friends.
Throughout February, organizations and individuals nationwide are coming together to highlight the need to educate young people about dating violence, teach healthy relationship skills and prevent the devastating cycle of abuse. In 2013, Congress declared the entire month of February to teen dating violence awareness and prevention.
Relationships Matter: Working with Local Law Enforcement & Emergency Responders
The school system, local law enforcement, and emergency responsders are integral to the fabric of any community, and their collaboration is essential for ensuring a swift and coordinated response in times of emergency. However, their partnership should not be limited to crisis situations. It is crucial for these two entities to work together on a daily basis, fostering open communication and mutual support. This ongoing cooperation helps ensure a seamless flow of information, especially during community events or situations that might disrupt normal school operations.
For example, the sheriff’s department can alert schools to potential issues that could impact daily routines, such as traffic accidents that might affect bus routes or carpool schedules. Likewise, if law enforcement is conducting a search warrant near a school, informing the school system in advance can help alleviate concerns from parents who might otherwise be alarmed by a visible police presence. Additionally, if incidents occurring over the weekend pose potential risks to the school environment, both the sheriff’s department and the school system can take proactive steps to prepare and respond effectively.
Beyond emergency planning, the sheriff’s department can also play a key role in fostering positive relationships with students. Deputies can engage with students through classroom instruction or outreach programs, helping to build trust and open lines of communication. This rapport can be invaluable in identifying concerns early and preventing issues before they escalate. Finally, law enforcement should be actively involved in developing, reviewing, and updating the school’s emergency response plans and physical security measures, ensuring that these protocols remain relevant and effective in addressing evolving threats.
By working together consistently, the school system, law enforcment, and emergency responders can create a safer, more connected community where students and families feel supported, informed, and secure.
Youth Mental Health Survey
The Louisiana Mental Health Coalition's school-based work group is conducting an anonymous Youth Mental Health Survey, brought to you by the Jacob Crouch Foundation. This survey asks the questions about youth mental health to those that are experiencing it so we can better provide support and resources. Please consider sharing with sharing with your students. Health & PE would be a great time to complete!
LMHC's schoolbBased work group also created a Resource Drive to share helpful information and resources to make your job a little easier! Check out the “Happening Now” folder to learn about current events, initiatives, and CEUs each month. Want to join the monthly call or receive the newsletter? Email a request to Sherrard Crespo at: screspo@vialink.org
LOUISIANA 24/7 PARENTLINE
833-LA-CHILD OR TEXT 225-424-1533
The Role of DISTRICTS in Developing High Quality School EOPs - A Companion to the School Guide
FEMA - Multihazard Emergency Planning for Schools
FEMA - Development & Management of Emergency Operations Plans
A Whole Community Approach to Emergency Management: Principles, Themes, and Pathways for Action
Enhancing School Safety Using a Threat Assessment Model
K-12 Bystander Reporting Toolkit
Anonymized Threat Response Guidance - A Toolkit for K-12 Schools
The Department of Homeland Security's (DHS) Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) released the Anonymized Threat Response Guidance: A Toolkit for K-12 Schools, a new resource for K-12 schools, law enforcement, and community partners containing tailored approaches for addressing anonymous threats of violence, including those received on social media. The toolkit outlines steps school leaders can take to assess and respond to anonymous threats, better prepare for and prevent future threats, and work in coordination with law enforcement and other local partners when threats arise.
Anonymized Threat Response Guidance - A Reference Guide for K-12 Schools
The K-12 Anonymized Threat Response Guidance was developed to provide K-12 stakeholders with information for both protecting school communities and limiting the disruption and trauma that can be caused by anonymous threats. By providing guidance to inform decision-making about the urgency and credibility of individual threats, school and public safety leaders are able to more effectively balance the full range of risks faced by K-12 organizations.
