T4PA School Safety State Initiative
Updates for LEAs—April 2022
Legal Disclaimer: This information is intended solely to provide general information and guidance and reflects the Title IVA School Safety State Initiative current understanding of the topics and applicable state and federal guidance. The content is subject to change as a result of additional information and guidance provided by state and federal agencies with regulatory oversight. ESCs and LEAs may choose to seek legal counsel regarding the information and guidance.
National Child Abuse Prevention Month recognizes the importance of families and communities working together to strengthen families to prevent child abuse and neglect. Through this collaboration, prevention services and support, we can help protect children and produce thriving families. Please see Resources below.
- US HHS Resource Guide
- US HHS Child Maltreatment Data
- US HHS Spread the Word
- US HHS Multimedia Gallery
- TX DFPS Social Media Toolkit
- NCMEC Website
Human Trafficking IS Child Abuse
- June 14-16, 2022
- Dallas, TX
- More information coming soon!
Get your Youth Involved - Action Board In-A-Box
- Visit the Project Protect Our Children website to learn more
- E-mail youthactionboard@projectprotectourchildren.com to request a free YAB In-A-Box.
CSTT Webinar Series: TABC's Response to Human Trafficking
The Child Sex Trafficking Team’s first quarterly webinar of 2022 will spotlight efforts of the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission. TABC plays a key role in stopping human trafficking from taking place within licensed alcohol retailers such as bars, nightclubs, and convenience stores. Join us to learn how TABC is addressing human trafficking and how communities can support those efforts.
- Thursday, April 7th from 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM
- Webinar Registration
SHAC Update
- Page 5 addresses 87th Legislative Requirements
- Document Link
TASB Updated local policy EHAA (EXHIBIT)
- Exhibit A - Resolution of Board to Convene the District's SHAC to recommend curriculum materials for human sexuality instruction
- Exhibit B - Parent Consent Form regarding human sexuality instruction
NEW - TEA School Counseling Website
Click Here to visit the newly published websites, or check out the links posted below!
Mental Health/Behavioral Health/Relationship Building
Texas School Mental Health
Grief Summit 2022: Counseling and Treatment Tools for the Changing Face of Grief and Loss (Virtual)
Get the most up-to-date strategies and interventions so you can help clients cope and facilitate healthy grief in this unprecedented time.
In just 2 days, you’ll get a comprehensive toolbox for addressing the most challenging issues for grieving clients in today’s destabilizing world.
You’ll connect with an entire community of people just like you, so you can get the inspiration and support you need to feel re-energized and ready to tackle this most important work. Whether you’re a psychotherapist, social worker, hospice worker, or anyone in the helping professions, this is your chance to feel more prepared than ever to counsel, treat and walk alongside the grieving.
- April 28-29, 2022 (9am - 4:40pm)
- Learn more and register HERE!
NCTSN - How To Talk To Students After Natural Disasters
Language Matters in Mental Health
Our choices have a powerful effect on how we view mental health and wellbeing. Even the choice of “mental health condition” instead of “mental illness”
has consequences
- Article Link (Downloadable PDF)
Helping Children Heal from the Mental Scars of COVID-19
- Video Link (CBS News)
Toolkit - LGBTQ+ Youth Mental Health in Schools
- Webinar Opportunity: April 20, 2022, 1:00-2:00pm (Register Here)
- Newsletter Link
Texas Children’s Mental Health Acceptance Week
- CMHAW toolkit - https://cmhaustin.weebly.com/
FREE! Adolescents, Attachment & ACEs Science (Training)
Open to people who work with youth-in-care, community based organizations who work with youth in challenging circumstances, those who help people heal from trauma, organizations that focus on dating and interpersonal violence, adolescent group facilitators, secondary educators, grantees who target youth.
- April 13, 2022, 4:00 pm (EST)
- Registration Link
Mindful Self-Compassion for Educators Training
Mindful Self-Compassion for Educators is a 6-week online course. This training is designed for educators, caregivers, and those who work in the service of young people. Both beginners and those with significant mindfulness experience find this training deeply impactful.
- April 14-May 25, 2022 (meets weekly)
- Training Interest Form
Beyond Burnout: Exploring the Cost of Caring Lunch & Learn
Utilizing a light-hearted, engaging approach, this presentation explores the ways in which our work impacts us as helping professionals. Participants will be given tools to decrease the risk for compassion fatigue, vicarious trauma, secondary traumatic stress, and burn-out.
Discussion will then focus on enhancing compassion satisfaction and resilience through individualized strategies. This presentation seeks to re-frame the way we think about "self-care” and will include a live Q&A with the Director of School and Community Engagement for The Trauma and Grief Center at The Hackett Center for Mental Health.
- April 29; May 13, 2022
- 11:30am - 1:00pm
- Registration Link
SAMHSA Grants on the Street
Project AWARE (Advancing Wellness and Resiliency in Education) grants are LIVE, and this year are open to all organizations. Applicants must have partnerships with their SEA and at least one LEA.
- Grants close on May 2, 2022 | Click Here for more information!
- Please visit grants.gov
Bullying Prevention
Public Comment Period - Minimum Standards for Bullying Prevention Policies and Procedures (3/31/2022)
- TEC, §37.0832(c), requires school districts to adopt policies and procedures concerning bullying prevention.
- TEC, §12.104(b)(3)(Q), also subjects open-enrollment charter schools to this requirement.
- Senate Bill 2050, 87th Texas Legislature added TEC, §37.0832(c-1), which requires the TEA to adopt minimum standards for the bullying prevention policies and procedures
- Public comments will be accepted April 1 through April 30, 2022, and should be submitted to StudentDisciplineSupport@tea.texas.gov with the subject line “Minimum Standards Public Comment.”
- TEA Webpage Link
- PDF Link (downloadable)
Suicide Prevention
Autism Resources - American Association of Suicidology
Suicide is a leading cause of death in autistic people. Autistic people have significantly higher rates of suicidal thoughts, suicidal behaviors, and deaths by suicide than the general public.
Research/Risk Factors/Toolkits
988 - America's Suicide Prevention + Mental Health Crisis Lifeline
The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) is the lead federal agency, in partnership with the FCC and the VA, working to make the promise of 988 a reality for America. Moving to a 3-digit dialing code is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to strengthen and expand the existing National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (the Lifeline).
Resources for People with Lived Experience or Who Have Lost Someone to Suicide
- Friends for Survival - Offers free peer support, monthly support groups, speakers, and a Suicide Loss Helpline (1-800-646-7322)
- GriefShare Groups - An international database of grief support groups, not specific to suicide loss
School Violence/Behavioral Threat Assessment
Title IVA School Safety State Initiative District Safety Teams
The 2022 State of School Safety Survey is Now Open!
Insights gained from this research shine a light on the most pressing current school safety issues and help shape future national school safety advocacy and education efforts.
- Survey Link
- Deadline is April 10th, 2022
TxSSC School Safety Conference 2022
- June 19 - 23 in San Antonio
- Registration and Event Information
TxSSC Fidelity of School Behavioral Threat Assessment Implementation Tool
This tool was designed to both assist in the identification of current BTA practices - in relation to the guidelines set forth by the TxSSC - and to provide a self-assessment to aid in the improvement and maintenance of BTA practices.
Alcohol & Drug Awareness
- Texas National Guard Joint Counterdrug Task Force
- 512-782-6734
- Email: ng.tx.txarmy.list.cd-civil-ops@army.mil
Say What! Texas Tobacco-Free Conference 2022
Interactive Programs for Preventing Marijuana Use in Middle School Students
Alcohol & Drug Awareness Program by Texas A&M AgriLife Extension
Other School Safety Topics
Texas Broadband Listening Tour 2022
Comptroller Glenn Hegar will tour 12 communities to get Texans’ insights about internet access and collect input to develop the state’s first broadband plan. These events are free, and Texans are encouraged to attend and share their thoughts about broadband services in their communities.
- Broadband Development Plan Survey
- To see upcoming tour dates and register, Click Here!
New TASB Policy Guidance - Firearms on School District Property
Applications for Stock Epinephrine Advisory Committee (SEAC)- advises DSHS commissioner on the storage and maintenance of epinephrine auto-injectors and
- training school personnel to administer epinephrine auto-injectors
- examines and reviews the administration of an epinephrine auto-injector to a person experiencing an anaphylactic reaction on a school campus.
- Online application before 11:59 p.m., April 14, 2022.
- Contact: Rachel Wiseman SchoolHealth@dshs.texas.gov
Give Students a Voice!
2022 Youth Preparedness Camp
The Texas School Safety Center (TxSSC) at Texas State University is now accepting applications for the 2022 Youth Preparedness Camp. TxSSC will provide scholarships to teams of 10 individuals to attend camp, which includes lodging and meals, all training materials, and a Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) backpack with equipment. The only cost to teams will be travel to and from the camp.
- June 12-16, 2022
- Application Website | Applications are due no later than April 15, 2022
Speaking Up About Mental Health! This Is My Story - Essay Contest
The “Speaking Up About Mental Health! This Is My Story” national essay challenge aims to start conversations about mental health and encourage young people to seek help for mental health issues. U.S. high school students ages 16-18 are invited to submit a short essay. Topics may include resilience, ending stigma, improving communication among peers and adults, and more. submission deadline is April 30, 2022. For more information and to apply, Click Here!
Get your Youth Involved - Action Board In-A-Box
- Visit the Project Protect Our Children website to learn more
- E-mail youthactionboard@projectprotectourchildren.com to request a free YAB In-A-Box.
Texas Youth Preparedness Council
The Texas Youth Preparedness Council (TX YPC) serves as the youth voice for school safety in Texas by representing the Texas School Safety Center in school safety issues in local communities and schools across Texas. Students selected for this group must have a true passion for safety and preparedness and employ a belief that they can make a difference in their schools and communities.
- Students entering grades 9-11 for the 2022-2023 school year are eligible to apply
- Applications are due by 5:00 p.m. on April 15, 2022
- Informational and Application Webpage
Invent2Prevent
Texas high schools are now invited to participate in Invent2Prevent, a free competitive program sponsored by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security Center for Prevention Programs and Partnerships. Invent2Prevent helps to identify new whole-of-society approaches to preventing targeted violence and hate, and it is a prime example of how the U.S. government can harness the energy, enthusiasm, tech-savvy skills, and genuine voice of our nation’s youth to educate and motivate communities to engage in an honest and authentic dialogue about targeted violence and terrorism. This program also promotes and encourages high school students to consider ways they can pursue careers at the federal, state, local, and community levels, ensuring that motivated and talented minds bring their unique perspectives to the top sectors diligently working to prevent targeted violence and terrorism.
Oliver Foundation Teen Advisory Board Grant
Teen Advisory Board grants ($500) are available for middle and high school students who are interested in forming a Teen Advisory Board on their campus. The purpose of a Teen Advisory Board is to create a healthy campus environment, promote healthy choices and mentor younger students. A school sponsor is required to oversee this group of students and submit the grant application. Applications for this cycle are due by April 15, 2022.
Say What! Texas Tobacco-Free Action Summits are Back and In Person!
Say What! Summits are free, one day trainings designed for youth groups in 6th – 12th grade who are passionate about helping to create healthy, tobacco, nicotine, and vape-free lives and communities. Summits are led by the Say What! Teen Ambassadors and provide youth groups an opportunity to network and connect with other likeminded youth, develop teen leadership skills, and perfect their youth advocacy skills.
This summit season will focus on youth vaping prevention and feature expert guest speakers discussing the dangers of tobacco and vape litter on the environment, why tobacco is a social justice issue and how youth and adults can help create equality, the tobacco industry’s dirty strategies when targeting youth and various communities, and how youth groups can become advocates for youth tobacco prevention.
- For dates, more information, and to register, CLICK HERE!
Upcoming Dates, Deadlines & Due Dates
ACET Conference
- Embassy Suites, San Marcos | April 27-29, 2022
- Registration
Bullying Report (New - 87th Legislature)
- PEIMS Summer Submission
- Element ID: E1727 - Number of Bullying Incidents at each Campus
- Element ID: E1728 - Number of Cyber Bullying at each Campus
- TEC 48.009 (b-4)
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.
- District audit cycle ends on August 31, 2022. The reporting period for this cycle begins April 15, 2022.
- The online reporting system (CARtool) used to submit your audit data to the TxSSC will open on April 15, 2022 and must be completed by September 15, 2022.
- TxSSC began reaching out to verify Superintendent contact information on January 17, 2022 to ensure all districts receive a link to the online reporting system.
- For more information
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.
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
LaNetra Guess, Program Director, Title IV, Part A & TEA
- ESC Title IV, Part A Capacity Building Initiative, September 21 Presentation
- Title IV, Part A Program Guide
- Title IV, Part A Use of Funds One-Pager
- Title IV, Part A: Student Support and Academic Enrichment Website
- Title IV Frequently Asked Questions Document
- Title IV, Part A ESC School Safety State Initiative
TAA (3/31/2022) - Minimum Standards for Bullying Prevention Policies and Procedures
Public comments will be accepted April 1 through April 30, 2022, and should be submitted to StudentDisciplineSupport@tea.texas.gov with the subject line “Minimum Standards Public Comment.”
- TEA Webpage Link
- PDF Link (downloadable)
NEW! TEA School Counseling Page
Title IV, Part A FAQ Document
New TEA Parent Resources Page
- Features information on accelerated learning and related tutoring supports being provided to all students working to overcome the learning disruptions caused by COVID-19
- Webpage Link
ESC Resources
Previous ESC newsletters
District Resources
Previous LEA Newsletters
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
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