Safe schools are fundamental to students' school successes and achievements. Consequently, providing a safe and orderly school environment remains an ever-present priority of the Mississippi Department of Education. School safety should be addressed through a comprehensive approach that focuses on prevention, intervention and response planning. Systems and programs should be in place that create caring school communities where all students and staff feel safe and supported. Key to the process of building and maintaining safe schools is the development of active partnerships between schools and communities.
The Division of School Safety provides support to schools in the areas of physical security, emergency operations and school discipline. Training and technical assistance may be requested to provide guidance in the development of a safe and secure school environment for students, faculty and administrators. Resources and areas of technical assistance include:
- School Resource Officer/School Safety Officer Training
- Civilian Response to Active Shooter Events
- Review and Assistance with School District Emergency Planning
- School Safety Technical Assistance Visits
Teacher Resources
National Crime Prevention Lesson Plans - The following activities were created by teachers and reviewed by teachers, principals, law enforcement officers, and community members to ensure their quality and effectiveness. They are designed to teach an age appropriate lesson on a crime prevention and safety topic. Lesson plans are provided by the National Crime Prevention Council for grades K-5.
Master of Disasters Curriculum for Grades K-2 – An excellent collection of lesson plans from the American Red Cross covering many safety topics for grades K-2.
Master of Disasters Curriculum for Grades 3-5 – An excellent collection of lesson plans from the American Red Cross covering many safety topics for grades 3-5.
Master of Disasters Curriculum for Grades 6-8 – An excellent collection of lesson plans from the American Red Cross covering many safety topics for grades 6-8.
Master of Disasters Family Kit – A toolkit for families relating to safety topics from the American Red Cross.
Water Safety Curriculum for Grades K-6 – This is a water safety curriculum from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.