Rita Ann Esai Resnick, Florence Unified School District
Several new safety initiatives will be implemented in all schools in the Florence Unified School District this year.
“See Something, Say Something” is a safety campaign that incorporates the use of an anonymous reporting line. Students can use the Reporting Line to report anything anonymously if they do not have discreet access to a safe or trusted adult.
Students can report a variety of issues including bullying (in person or online), vandalism, fights, verbal or physical threats, dangerous weapons and illegal drugs on campus, just to name a few.
FUSD created business cards to be distributed to each student along with posters displayed around each school’s campus. This poster contains instructions on how students can submit their papers.
Students can quickly report suspicious activity or submit information by scanning a QR code on a poster or business card.
Papers can also be submitted via the online form found in the “Wanted” section in the top right corner of the school website.
A “see something, say something” approach to safety helps students develop a sense of responsibility towards their peers and the school community. This means we actively monitor each other and report any suspicious behavior we see. Reporting such behavior to school authorities or designated staff through the Hotline will help us to respond quickly and effectively to potential threats. It is important to remember that no information is too small or important in maintaining a secure environment.
Another safety measure the district will add this year is to link the school’s camera system directly to law enforcement. This enables employees to send emergency alerts with the push of a button, and enables law enforcement to see real-time threats using the school’s camera system. This feature should only be used in emergencies, such as when unauthorized individuals or individuals gain access to your school’s campus.
Another layer of safety includes lockdown and shooting training provided to all FUSD staff in coordination with the Pinal County Sheriff’s Office.
District leadership and management teams are trained in crisis management and participate in tabletop exercises to navigate emergencies. This training helps leaders handle different types of emergencies and be more alert and prepared than ever before.
Another aspect of FUSD’s safety campaign is to reduce unauthorized and unfamiliar visitors to school campuses. All campus delivery services (including but not limited to food deliveries to students from independent or for-profit businesses) are no longer permitted.
However, registered parents or guardians may deliver meals for their students after registering with the school’s front desk staff. District leaders recognize that this change may make some people unhappy, but it is an important way to ensure campus safety. This change follows recommendations provided by school safety experts.
FUSD will continue to evaluate its safety efforts and find ways to improve its methods and strategies.
The district also addresses the importance of attendance. Ongoing attendance is essential for students to actively participate in classroom instruction, participate in discussions, complete assignments, and build knowledge over time.
If students are absent, they may miss important content, explanations, and interactions with teachers and other students. As a result, learning gaps can occur and it can be difficult to catch up on content.
Even a few sporadic absences throughout the year can impede a student’s progress. Additionally, some subjects and topics can be difficult to follow on their own, making it difficult for students to fill in the blanks on their own.
If a student needs to be absent from school due to unavoidable circumstances, it is beneficial to contact the teacher to make up for the missed work and seek additional support as needed.
Rita Ann Ezai Resnick is Director of Public Relations for the Florence Unified School District.
