State College Area School District

Safe School Plan

(Revised November, 2006)

ORGANIZATION

Board of School Directors | Superintendent | Citizens' Advisory Committee |                                --------------------------------------------------------------------------------                                |                  |                 |                     |                      |                          Wellness     Safety in the     Security        Nurturing         Traumatic                       Committee      Workplace     Committee     Committee          Events                                                                                                             Team

INTRODUCTION

The State College Area School District’s Safe School Plan has evolved over many years. The input to the plan has been quite broad allowing the plan to incorporate a comprehensive perspective. In 1986, plans began for a traumatic events procedure which led to our first Board Policy on the issue in 1989. Since then, the emphasis on crisis response has continued, but developmental, prevention, intervention, and risk reduction initiatives have become more common.

In the early 90’s, mediation and conflict resolution became part of our effort, and by the mid 90’s, each of these strategies were becoming more a part of the school support program. In the later 90’s, the conflict resolution emphasis was included in the regular curriculum in various areas, K-12.

In more recent years, we have begun to take measures to provide more security in the schools with expanded school security staff, School Resource Officers, and School Based Probation Officers.

Our strategic plans have called for a safe, secure and nurturing school environment. This safe school plan is based upon our history since 1986 and the profound commitment contained in our strategic plans.

The Citizen’s Advisory Committee provides an advisory service to the Board of School Directors and the administration through the superintendent.
The Safety in the Workplace Committee has as its focus safety issues from water quality to playground equipment.

School Health Council has as its purpose implementing, monitoring and as necessary, revising school policies focused on student nutrition and physical activity.

The Nurturing Committee is committed to the establishment and implementation of effective practices to foster development of competent conflict resolution skills and other coping skills in our students, families, and staff.

Security Committee has as its focus the scrutiny of facilities and practices. This committee provides information regarding a broad array of security issues of importance to schools.

The Traumatic Events Teams are comprised of Staff members who are identified to serve in the event a traumatic event occurs which impacts that site. These teams rehearse in advance and meet on an ongoing basis to maintain a readiness to respond when called upon.

Membership on various committees and the traumatic events teams is determined by the Board of School Directors, superintendent, administration or by state or federal regulations.

Scope

The State College Area School District Safe School Plan has a broad focus to provide services across a continuum.

The Safe Continuum

Developmental Prevention Risk Reduction Intervention Crisis Response

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Each of the area presented in the Safe Continuum will be the focus of the committees which are part of the organizational structure of the Safe Plan.

Developmental – The purpose of these initiatives is to support opportunities for positive youth development and growth, allowing them to manage their lives in a safe nonviolent fashion with respect for others.

Prevention – In order to inhibit the development of breakdowns in our safe, secure and nurturing environment, we implement activities designed to strengthen and protect that environment, promoting resilience to prevent such breakdowns.

Risk Reduction – We take aggressive action to remove variables which my inhibit or otherwise damage our safe, secure and nurturing environment. We also appraise our system to be certain we do not create risk issues by our actions.

Intervention – When the risk of breakdowns occur in our safe, secure and nurturing environment, we have measures in place to resolve these issues by our actions.

Crisis Response – When there is a breakdown in our safe, secure and nurturing school community, we intervene in response to that crisis.

Important Definitions

SAFE- To limit injury or property damage due to accidents.

SECURE - To limit injury or property damage due to intentional behavior.

NURTURING – To further the development of competent conflict resolution skills and other coping skills in our students, families and staff.

CRISIS – An unstable or crucial time or state of affairs.

EMERGENCY- An unforeseen combination of circumstances or the resulting state which calls for immediate action.

TRAUMATIC EVENT – A crisis, emergency or other occurrence which caused a disordered psychic or behavioral state.

PHYSICAL WELLNESS – The state of being healthy in terms of diet and conditioning.

HEALTHY- enjoying health and vigor of body, mind or spirit