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 OSSC Releases 2020 Annual Report
The Ohio Department of Public Safety's (ODPS) newly-released 2020 Ohio School Safety Center (OSSC) Annual Report demonstrates its ongoing commitment to school safety and security as threats and vulnerabilities shifted throughout the COVID-19 pandemic.
“Ohio is fortunate to have a dedicated team that places school safety as a top priority every single day,” said Ohio Governor Mike DeWine. “Even during these unprecedented times, the OSSC remains ahead of constantly evolving safety concerns. The resources and guidance the center provides to schools are invaluable.”
To find out more, access the ODPS news release here.
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Annual Plan Certification Due July 1
Schools are required to review and recertify their safety plan documents in the School Safety Plans Portal between between January 1 and July 1 each year. The portal allows schools to view their safety plan documents, replace them if needed, then record the review date in the portal. This mid-year review helps the system maintain accuracy between three-year safety plan submissions. For step-by-step guidance, visit the OSSC website and view the “Annual Plan Certification Step-By-Step Instructions” PDF located in the “More Resources” section at the bottom of the page.
Pro Tip: If the blue button in the Annual Plan Certification column says “Add 2021 Date” (see image), the requirement has not yet been completed for 2021. If you see a 2021 date instead, the requirement has already been fulfilled.
Schools are still required to conduct monthly tornado drills during the pandemic. Guidance is available on the State Fire Marshal’s FAQ website to assist schools with completing these requirements.
Your local fire department’s code official can also assist in planning a course of action that meets your school’s needs.
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Graduation ceremonies are quickly approaching in 2021. As Covid19 guidelines continue to evolve, the OSSC looked back to 2020 for innovative practices from around the state. Simply put, the creativity of Ohio schools is amazing. From drive-ins to drive-thrus to virtual ceremonies, graduating seniors received their diplomas despite challenging times. Kudos to all those who contributed to this article, and to those whose stories remain untold. No matter how it was celebrated, the goal for all was the same - to provide the best experience possible to honor Ohio’s graduates.
Read more about the creative ways schools have celebrated their graduates during the pandemic.
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With the onset of spring and students attending in-person classes, schools may be taking advantage of outdoor spaces and fresh air. Although revitalizing, the use of outdoor spaces is not without risk. Take a few minutes to review the hazards and threats in your school’s safety plan. How do they apply to your outdoor spaces?
Click the link to read more about considerations for using outdoor spaces for learning.
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Through NIJ’s Comprehensive School Safety Initiative (NIJ’s Comprehensive School Safety Initiative | National Institute of Justice (ojp.gov)) and with funding from the STOP School Violence Act, NIJ has funded approximately 100 projects to improve the safety of our nation’s schools and students through rigorous research that produces practical knowledge. The on demand recordings of this conference highlight these projects.
Choose from 26 sessions on topics ranging from physical security to mental health to law enforcement in schools. View the recordings here using the login email NIJschoolsafety@ojp.usdoj.gov and password CSSI2021.
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School Safety 101 is an online, on demand overview of foundational concepts in school safety and violence prevention.
The course consists of four modules:
- Module 1 - What is the state of school safety in today’s schools?
- Module 2 - Prevention, not just response: How do we make school safety part of the way we do things in our school?
- Module 3 - How to effectively respond to crisis events in schools
- Module 4 - Where do we go from here? Improving safety in your school
Thanks to funding by a Motorola Solutions Foundation grant, the course is FREE to educators and other school stakeholders.
The course goes live on April 12, but you can register now to secure your spot - www.eSchoolSafety.org/101
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 Over 15,000 cyber security jobs need to be filled in Ohio. Because of this, exciting innovations in cyber security education are underway for Ohio schools. Ohio’s goal is to make cyber security training available to students across all high school campuses. Currently, 44% of high schools offer cyber security training. The following resources introduce several available programs and provide contact information for further exploration.
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Ohio Cyber Reserve
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The Ohio Cyber Reserve functions much like our National Guard. Vetted volunteers with cyber security knowledge can be “called up” when needed to help keep Ohio safe. Members receive training, help train others, assist in K-12 cyber security clubs, and mentor. Register at account@apan.org
Read more here.
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Ohio Cyber Collaboration Committee (OC3)
At the direction of Governor DeWine, the Adjutant General’s Department has brought together more than 200 representatives from public, private, military and educational organizations to form the OC3.
Their mission is to provide an environment for collaboration between key stakeholders to strengthen cybersecurity for all in the State of Ohio and to develop a stronger cybersecurity infrastructure. Learn more about these programs.
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Ohio Cyber Range Institute
The Cyber Range provides a safe, virtual environment where students can practice their cyber security skills.
The Range is available to schools and educators in Ohio at no cost and can be remotely accessed. Drills and exercises are available to test user skills and more are under development.
Sign up for their newsletter here.
OhioMeansJobs Readiness Diploma Seals
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UPCOMING: Beginning in 2023, technology seals will be available for diplomas of students completing the required curriculum and demonstrate proficiencies.
The seal indicates that the graduate has acquired the professional skills required for success in the workplace.
Download the below PDF to learn more.
Ohio Graduation Requirements: Long Term Requirements 2023 and Beyond
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Cyber Club Toolkit
The toolkit provides direction and resources for cyber club advisors on starting and running their own cyber clubs. Included content can be used during club meetings or during the traditional school day.
Hosted by INFOhio, these resources are housed on the OpenSpace platform.
Resources are coordinated and provided by the Ohio Department of Education.
Visit their website here.
Scholarships for Cyber Security Credentials
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The Innovate Ohio program includes “Choose Ohio First” scholarships and TechCred.
TechCred reimburses up to $2,000 to current and future employees who complete training within a one-year period to teach cyber security.
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 Choose Ohio First awards competitive scholarship funding to Ohio’s colleges and universities to support undergraduate and qualifying graduate students in innovative programs.
Find out more here.
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Don't forget that the resources below are available at no cost to your school and community. Click on the images to find out more.
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 Monday, April 5, 2021: 3:30-4:30 p.m.
Monday, April 12, 2021 – Sunday, May 9, 2021
Wednesday, May 5, 2021: 2:30-3:30 p.m.
Tuesday, May 18, 2021 – Wednesday, May 19, 2021
Do you have questions for the OSSC? Are you looking for particular resources? Submit your feedback and questions here.
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