AUSTIN – The Texas Education Agency (TEA) and the Texas School Safety Center (TxSSC) today renewed their annual partnership for the 2018 Texas Safe Schools Week, Oct. 21-27, 2018.

TEA and TxSSC continue to encourage Texas schools to take a comprehensive approach to school safety – which requires all school staff, students, parents, first responders, mental health professionals, and community stakeholders to work together to ensure safe and secure learning environments.

“Texas educators and administrators maintain an ongoing commitment to the safety of all students on public school campuses,” said Commissioner of Education Mike Morath. “It is only through their diligence and hard work that our schools continue to be a safe place for learning.”  

Schools face emergency situations that vary in severity and duration. It is important not only for school personnel, but also for students to remain vigilant and aware of their surroundings, both on and off campus. Evacuation, fire and lockdown drills should be conducted throughout the school year. Several of these emergency drills should include first responders so they can become familiar with the campuses.

“School safety practices should be a priority every day in our schools,” said TxSSC Director Kathy Martinez-Prather. “Prevention and preparedness efforts play a critical role in fostering a safe school climate. Having regularly reviewed emergency plans developed with local first responders, as well as regular training and drilling in emergency procedures, ensures that responses are well-executed in the event of an actual emergency.”

The TxSSC provides extensive online resources and in-person workshops to assist schools across Texas with emergency operations plan development, training and drilling, school threat assessment and management, response protocols, bullying and suicide prevention, and a variety of other school safety topics. Visit https://txssc.txstate.edu to access these resources and view upcoming training opportunities.

Texas Safe Schools Week is held annually in conjunction with the national America's Safe Schools Week. For more information, visit the Texas Education Agency website at www.tea.texas.gov or the Texas School Safety Center website at http://txssc.txstate.edu.

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