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School Resource Officer training now available
The Michigan State Police (MSP) Office of School Safety (OSS) has developed a series of six online professional development courses on school safety and mental health. These free courses will provide School Resource Officers (SROs) and school safety personnel with the tools needed to promote a safe and supportive learning environment for all students. The goal is to provide position specific standards, policies, and training related to behavioral cues and potential indicators of a mental health crisis. The project was completed in partnership with Michigan State University and supported by a 2019 STOP School Violence grant received by the Michigan State Police from the U.S. Department of Justice, Bureau of Justice Assistance.
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Under new law, Michigan schools must inform students on consent, sexual assault
Public Act 57 signed by Gov. Gretchen Whitmer on July 11, 2023, requires all public school districts, charter schools, and intermediate school districts to provide age-appropriate material to 6th through 12th graders explaining what constitutes sexual assault and harassment. The material must: 1) include explanations of consent — defined as an agreement to participate in sexual activities — and let students know that sexual violence is not the victim’s fault, and 2) list resources available to sexual assault survivors.
The Michigan Department of Education has until June 1, 2024, to develop the material in consultation with experts and advocates, including the Michigan Domestic and Sexual Violence Prevention and Treatment Board and the Michigan Coalition to End Domestic and Sexual Violence.
School systems can decide how to distribute the information. It must include contact information for the district’s Title IX coordinator and its policies on sexual harassment and assault, including the fact that retaliation and harassment against those who disclose abuse is prohibited. The information must remain accessible to middle and high school students and their parents/guardians in student handbooks and district websites.
Beginning with the 2024-25 school year, schools will be encouraged to train all educators and staff who come into contact with students on how to respond to disclosures of sexual violence. The training, which should take place at least every five years, will be provided as professional development through nonprofits receiving funding from the Michigan Domestic and Sexual Violence Prevention and Treatment Board or the Michigan Coalition to End Domestic and Sexual Violence.
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Joint Learning Event
The Office of School Safety, in partnership with the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS), recently hosted Joint Learning Events in Lansing and Gaylord. The purpose of the events was for stakeholders from education, law enforcement, and community mental health to learn from one another in an effort to assist families in accessing mental health services for students who need them. Nearly 300 participants heard from school superintendents, community mental health representatives, and personnel from the Michigan Department of Education and MDHHS. Important discussions regarding the future of Behavioral Threat Assessment and Management also occurred.
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Michigan Department of Health and Human Services extends free air purifier program
All Michigan K-12 schools are encouraged to obtain free air purifiers through the MI Safe School Indoor Air Ventilation program. The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) launched the program in December 2022 to help support the improvement of indoor air quality in schools. Since the launch of the program, the MDHHS has provided more than 42,600 air purification machines to 451 school districts across the state. In May 2023, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention updated their guidelines for air exchanges in schools, with the goal of reaching a total of five air changes per hour. Due to this new guidance, the MDHHS has extended the program to allow schools either to order more machines or to begin participating in this opportunity. Schools are able to order as many machines as needed based upon their building’s needs.
Air purifiers are provided by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Epidemiology Laboratory Capacity Reopening Schools award. To learn more, submit your K-12 school information to MI Safe Schools Indoor Air Ventilation Program Request Form.
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Raising digitally responsible youth – a parent's guide
With the rapid growth of technology and the pervasive nature of social media in children's lives, parenting has become increasingly demanding. Recognizing this, Safer Schools Together has taken the initiative to address these challenges by creating the comprehensive resource of "Raising Digitally Responsible Youth – A Parent's Guide."
This invaluable guide aims to equip parents and caregivers with essential knowledge about popular social media platforms, video games, and emerging trends that currently engage children or may captivate their interest in the future. By providing information on these digital landscapes, the guide empowers parents and caregivers to stay informed and have meaningful conversations with their children about safe and responsible technology use.
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OK2SAY
Michigan’s OK2SAY program is a nationally recognized student safety program that helps equip authorities with needed information to respond to threats and avert tragedy.
To promote OK2SAY at your school, there are several strategies to consider.
EDUCATION
STAFF AWARENESS: All staff members working with students should be knowledgeable about OK2SAY, its significance for students, and how it functions. This not only educates staff about the importance of addressing the code of silence among students but also enables them to emphasize the importance of reporting incidents in a manner that ensures safety.
STUDENT AWARENESS AND EDUCATION: OK2SAY offers free student safety presentations for students in grades 4-12. These presentations are tailored to different age groups and address various issues impacting students while ensuring their protection.
PROMOTIONAL ITEMS
Display OK2SAY promotional material such as posters, stickers, and contact cards in prominent locations throughout the school. Promotional items can be ordered directly from OK2SAY.
SPREAD THE WORD
Promote OK2SAY on social media platforms and utilize downloadable digital signage graphics.
Encourage students to download the free OK2SAY app or save a shortcut to the OK2SAY website on school computers.
Include OK2SAY contact information on student identification cards or student planners.
Use parent newsletters and other electronic communications to educate the community about OK2SAY and its importance in maintaining student safety.
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2023 National Summit (virtual) on K-12 School Safety and Security
The 2023 National Summit on K-12 School Safety and Security will be hosted by the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency on November 1-2, 2023. This two-day virtual event will convene experts from school safety, practitioners, and leaders from across the country to discuss current threats in school safety and explore research informed strategies for addressing security challenges and risks in K-12 schools. For more information and to reserve your spot, visit this link.
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Midwest School Safety Summit 2024
The Safe and Sound Schools in-person Midwest School Safety Summit is coming to Michigan on January 16-17, 2024. The summit brings together local leaders and national experts for two days of keynotes, breakout sessions, and expert panels focused on the comprehensive school safety model of Safe and Sound Schools:
- Mental and Behavioral Health
- Physical Safety and Security
- Culture, Climate, and Community
- Leadership, Law, and Policy
- Operations and Emergency Management
- Health and Wellness
Mark your calendars for the Midwest School Safety Summit.
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