Texas Safe Schools Week

What

Texas Safe Schools Week

When

10/23/2014, 4:00 PM – 5:00 PM

AUSTIN - The Texas Education Agency (TEA) and the Texas School Safety Center (TxSSC) today renewed their annual partnership for the 2014 Texas Safe Schools Week, Oct. 19 - 25. TEA and TxSSC share a mutual goal of assuring all public schools are places where students, parents, teachers and administrators feel secure during the course of every school day.

"Every student in Texas must be provided an effective and safe learning environment," said Commissioner of Education Michael Williams. "Safe Schools Week reminds us all to reflect on the plans and policies in place and update them as needed so that our campuses are prepared and safe in every potential situation."

Dr. Victoria Calder, the executive director of the Texas School Safety Center, echoed those remarks, saying that, “Every school should have emergency plans in place to address all hazards, whether natural or manmade; and, our educators, community partners, students and parents should be aware of practices to establish and maintain safe schools and then work together to keep Texas’ students and schools safe and secure.”

In a joint Texas Safe Schools Week proclamation, Commissioner Williams and Director Calder urged all Texas school districts to practice emergency drills, review emergency plans and highlight the importance of safe and secure schools – not only during this week but throughout the year.

Gov. Rick Perry has also declared Oct. 19 - 25, 2014, as Safe Schools Week in Texas. In his gubernatorial proclamation, Gov. Perry noted the importance for schools and communities to work together to assure children are secure from harm and able to thrive in their academic environment.

"As our next generation of leaders, young Texans are our most precious resource and brightest rays of hope for the future," said Gov. Perry in his Safe Schools Week proclamation. "It should be our top priority as parents, teachers, community leaders and concerned citizens to guarantee their safety and well-being, especially while they are attending school."

During the course of Texas Safe Schools Week, the Texas Education Agency and Texas School Safety Center, which is an official university-level research center at Texas State University in San Marcos, will partner to spotlight specific safety issues faced by school districts on a daily basis. Topics to be addressed during the week will include school planning and preparedness, educator requirements, bullying, mental health and student safety. Texas Safe Schools Week is held annually in conjunction with the national America's Safe Schools Week.

To read the Governor's Safe School Week proclamation, the joint TEA-TxSSC proclamation or to learn more about Texas Safe Schools Week topics, visit the Texas Education Agency website at www.tea.state.tx.us or the Texas School Safety Center website at http://txssc.txstate.edu/.