CREATING A SAFE, SECURE ENVIRONMENT IS A TOP PRIORITY IN DALLAS ISD
NOVEMBER 2013 DISTRICT 6 TRUSTEE CARLA RANGER
When it comes to keeping students safe and healthy, the Dallas ISD proactively seeks ways to secure the well-being of our students. District departments employ a wealth of programs, services and strategies to address students’ physical, mental and emotional health and security. While education is our primary mission, it’s clear that education cannot occur in environments where students’ basic needs are not met, and safety is among the most essential of basic needs.
Gang, drug, child abuse and truancy prevention programs, building security enhancements, safety drills, health and nutrition education, counseling, and drop-in centers to serve homeless students are among the many efforts we devote to student safety
The recent expenditure of $4.5 million in bond funds upgraded security at all district schools. Peepholes in all campus portables, additional security cameras at secondary campuses, electronic door-strike buzzers, eight-camera digital recorder systems, and card-reader systems are among the improvements.
School counselors help students and families address conduct, learning differences or family challenges that affect students’ performance. Counselors serve as student advocates and can refer parents to a variety of community social services for ongoing support.
The Police and Security Services Department assigns its 135 sworn officers to all secondary campuses and can dispatch officers to immediately respond to emergencies at elementary schools. Working closely with school administrators, Dallas Police Department and the district attorney, officers constantly monitor schools for drug and gang activity. Our Emergency Operations team guides principals in the development of campus emergency operations plans that detail how schools will respond to emergency situations. Schools are required to conduct regular practice drills to ensure that students and staff are ready to take appropriate action in the event of bad weather, fire or threats of violence.
The Child Abuse and Domestic Violence Prevention department trains school staff to identify and report child abuse and partners with mental health agencies to educate teens to recognize the signs of teen dating violence. The department presents training for staff and students from PreK to 12 to protect students from abuse.
The Homeless Education Program has created Drop-In Centers at North Dallas High School and John Leslie Patton Academic Center where students and parents can obtain uniforms, hygiene and school supplies. Like all of those previously listed, this program aims to help students stay safe and well so they can remain in school and move forward academically. In the news in District 6:
John Leslie Patton Academic Center, which offers classes, counseling and support to help overage students earn high school diplomas, honored students for persistence and determination at its recent student awards assembly. Sixteen students made the A honor roll; 41 made the A-B honor roll; eight achieved perfect attendance; and 49 were honored for 90 percent attendance.
Kudos to the following schools that are raising funds for the 2013 Common Cents coin collection program. Student roundtables at T.W. Browne Middle School and Ronald McNair and Thomas C. Russell elementary schools are conducting car washes, bake sales and other activities to raise funds for donation to nonprofit organizations that help families in their communities.
Calling all fathers, grandfathers, uncles and other male role models interested in mentoring a young student. Umphrey Lee Elementary is inviting men from our community to come to the school from 8:30 to 10 a.m. Friday, Nov. 15, to learn how they can help encourage a child to stay in school and on the right track. Interested? Please contact Michael Harris at Lee Elementary at 972-749-3900.
You can help a child learn to appreciate the power of reading at a community wide volunteer reading event called FREADOM to Serve. Volunteers are needed to read to students at schools across the district on Tuesday, Nov. 12. To volunteer to read, visit http://www.dallasisd.org/dallasreads.
