For nearly two decades, the Center for Safe Schools has been committed to serving as a statewide clearinghouse for schools, law enforcement, parents and others on school safety and youth violence prevention. Through expert staff, as well as access to a network of state and national researchers and practitioners, the Center provides state-of-the-art professional development and technical assistance to schools throughout the Commonwealth.
Response to Sandy Hook Tragedy
In the aftermath of a school tragedy, it is important that educators and community leaders provide appropriate information and support to children and adults who may be experiencing anxiety and stress. At such times, it is also important for communities to renew their commitments to taking steps to ensure school and community safety. The following websites provide reliable information for those involved in these efforts:
In an effort to keep our schools safe, crime-free environments and to protect them from a terrorist attack, the Center for Safe Schools would like to make all school administrators aware of RISK AND VULNERABILITY ASSESSMENTS (PDF), an initiative of the Pennsylvania State Police, offered free of charge. Assessments provide comprehensive examinations of physical facilities and operational procedures; identify critical assets, threat potential and vulnerabilities; and offer recommendations to improve security.
Deadline: until grant funding as been awarded or until June 28, 2013
Apply now for a new Safe Routes to School SRTS Non-infrastructure Mini-Grant (up to $2,000) from the state Department of Transportation through the PA SRTS Resource Center, and fund activities that promote, educate and encourage walking and biking to school. Thousands of dollars in grant money are available to eligible schools (K-8). New, quicker streamlined application process in place.
Key Principles for School Security in Planning for Reductions in Force
In light of ongoing budgetary cutbacks and resulting large-scale lay-offs around the nation, the U.S. Department of Education’s Office of Safe and Drug-Free Schools (OSDFS) and its Readiness and Emergency Management for Schools (REMS) Technical Assistance (TA) Center developed a checklist, Key Principles for School Security in Planning for Reductions in Force (RIFs).
