BTA, SRP, and School Safety Grants

Welcome to the May edition of Raptor’s School Safety Today newsletter—and happy start of summer to all our educators!?

Funding. Changes in legislation. The latest in technology—and how it supports or complicates school safety. There is no shortage of influences on school safety, and keeping ahead of the changes is critical to both safety and compliance.??

For this month’s survey, you have the chance to ask Raptor to cover the school safety topics you care about most. Join the conversation here!

Advancing technology and especially AI tools related to school safety remain a continual presence in news articles this past month, with critical incident mapping, AI-powered school security tools, and silent panic alerts. These advancements are critical—at a time when approximately 857,500 violent incidents (National Center for Education Statistics, 2024) were recorded by U.S. public schools in the 2021-22 school year alone, innovation in school safety tools represents hope and increased safety.??

With advancements in technology, schools have more resources at their disposal than ever before. Combining these new tools with the human element of educators and school staff, we can create a stronger and more effective safety net for our students.?

Let’s take a closer look at the latest topics in school safety.?

While the focus of schools is on students, it would be unwise to overlook the importance of staff wellbeing. Educators enter the profession because they care deeply about their students. This dedication ensures that students are well-supported, but it has also led to an environment of relentless stress, insufficient resources, and growing demands. The results of the unrealistic expectations are educator burnout and many teachers leaving the profession entirely.?

Although terms like "self-care" and "wellness" are often used in discussions around districts and campuses, the first step is to truly understand what these concepts mean and what educators genuinely need.??

In my most recent episode of the School Safety Today with Dr. Amy Podcast , Shannon Jenkins and I delved into this topic, emphasizing the critical importance of setting boundaries. Clear boundaries must be established by administration to ensure educators do not feel overworked and can maintain a sustainable work-life balance.?

From Continuous Improvement in Behavioral Threat Assessment Practices with Dr. Marisa Randazzo?

“Behavioral threat assessment in schools is a critical process for preventing violence and addressing a whole host of threatening situations that may come to a school's attention. Typically focused on student behavior, but it actually can be used to address any concerning behavior wherever it may be coming from. And behavioral threat assessment is really to make sure it is clear. It is a fact-finding process that schools can use anytime they first become aware of something that raises concern or alarm.” Marisa R. Randazzo, Ph.D., Executive Director of Threat Assessment, Raptor Technologies?

From Standard Response Protocol Implementation with Jim French?

“Your district’s emergency response team should include law enforcement. It should include conversations and discussions with emergency management. It should include discussions with first responders. Often, the missing piece is a shared vocabulary across all these entities. When you have that shared vocabulary and connection, you can start to have clarity and develop a plan based on what may happen in your given region or area.” Jim French, Instructor/Explorer with The "I Love U Guys" Foundation?

Critical Incident Mapping?

Multiple states are implementing critical incident mapping to improve emergency preparedness and response in schools. This method enhances the efficiency and effectiveness of handling school emergencies by providing detailed maps , which allows first responders and school staff to respond accurately and swiftly.?

Integrating Security into School Design?

Incorporating safety and security features into school buildings' design is essential for fostering secure educational environments. This approach ensures that safety considerations are embedded into the infrastructure, from automated dismissal systems to emergency alert capabilities. Thoughtfully designed school environments contribute to a safer learning experience.??

Schools Turn to AI for Weapons Detection?

Across the nation, schools are integrating artificial intelligence to detect firearms and significantly improve campus security. With advocacy for state funding to support these advancements, the use of modern technology is becoming pivotal in preventing school shootings and enhancing safety. AI-driven solutions provide real-time detection and alerts, ensuring swift response to potential threats.?

Alyssa’s Law?

Efforts to expand Alyssa’s Law across all 50 states continue. Currently, only 6 states have passed legislation that requires panic buttons in classrooms—but 9 states have such legislation pending. Most recently, this includes Alabama and Pennsylvania .??

This move comes as part of a broader effort to enhance emergency preparedness and improve response times in school emergencies. The integration of silent panic alerts and detailed emergency notifications ensures a prompt and coordinated response to incidents.??

Emergency Mass Communication Integrated Tools?

We are also seeing a surge in emergency communication capabilities, with an emphasis on increasing integration partnerships.??

“Anytime as a school you can hit one button and achieve multiple goals to make the place safer, then you should do that. If you impact one student, then you’ve done your job. So, activating an emergency response with one action in Raptor Alert and then distributing the alert through the Raptor and Vivi systems is really helpful.” Lesley Coe, Chief Technology Officer at Cardinal Gibbons High School?

The latest in integrated emergency communication tools include Wahsega and The Scholastic Network (TSN):?

Wahsega specializes in high-quality audio equipment. Wahsega's offerings include advanced IP speakers, intercom systems, and emergency notification solutions. Wahsega's Carina platform is a comprehensive communication and safety application designed specifically for K-12 schools to control the enabled hardware. These tools enable schools to broadcast important announcements, events, and educational content in real time, enhancing engagement and communication within the school community.?

TSN provides digital signage solutions for K-12 schools, enhancing campus communication and engagement. Their user-friendly, customizable platforms deliver dynamic content such as announcements, schedules, emergency alerts, and educational materials.?

Teachers' Bill of Rights Enhances Classroom Discipline?

Alabama has passed the Teachers' Bill of Rights , introducing new student discipline rules—including requirements for documenting behavioral case management —aimed at improving school safety and creating a better learning environment. This legislation empowers teachers with clear guidelines and support for managing student behavior , contributing to a more orderly and safe educational setting. These measures are expected to foster a positive school culture where both teachers and students can thrive.?

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COPS SVPP ?

• Who qualifies?: School districts, including public charter schools and school districts with a single school, school boards, and other entities.?
• Allowable expenses: Training for local law enforcement officers to prevent student violence against others and self, reunification training, visitor management systems, technology for expedited notification of local law enforcement during an emergency, and any other measure that the COPS Office determines may provide a significant improvement in security.?

• Grants.gov deadline: 6/11/2024?
• JustGrants deadline: 6/17/2024?

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BJA STOP ?

• Who qualifies?: Nonprofits, independent school districts, private K-12 schools (including private charter schools), public charter schools, and other entities.?
• Allowable expenses: School-based behavioral threat assessments and/or intervention teams to identify school violence risks among students, technological innovations that are shown to increase school safety such as anonymous reporting technology, and other school safety strategies that assist in preventing violence.?
• Grants.gov deadline: 6/12/2024?
• JustGrants deadline: 6/20/2024?

OJJDP ?

• Who qualifies?: Independent school districts, public school districts, private K-12 schools (including private charter schools), private for-profit K-12 schools (including for-profit private charter schools) public charter schools, nonprofits, and other entities.?
• Allowable expenses: Implementing strategies related to violence prevention and early intervention, improving communication between home and school to enhance protective factors for student success, and more.?
• Grants.gov deadline: 6/10/2024?
• JustGrants deadline: 6/24/2024?

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NSGP ?

• Who qualifies: Nonprofit organizations?
• Allowable expenses: Card readers, associated hardware/software, improving cybersecurity of access control and identify verification systems, active shooter training including integrating the needs of persons with disabilities, security training for employees, and response exercises.?
• Sub application deadline: Varies by state?
• Final FEMA deadline: 6/24/2024?

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SHSP ?

• Who qualifies?: State, local, tribal, and territorial governments, as well as nonprofits.?
• Allowable expenses: Measures that provide immediate notification to emergency 911 systems, mechanisms that provide real-time actionable intelligence directly to law enforcement and first responders, and other measures determined to provide significant improvements to schools’ physical security.?
• Deadline: 6/24/2024?

Nonpublic School Safety Equipment (NPSE) Grant ??

• Who qualifies?: Provide $45 million in non-competitive reimbursement grants to New York religious and independent schools for school safety and health-related expenditures.??
• Allowable expenses: Active shooter response training, panic buttons, visitor ID printer and badges, alarm systems, software to locate and account for students, building mapping, and more.??
• Deadline: Extended to June 27, 2024.??

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Secured School Safety Grant (SSSG) ?

• Who qualifies?: Starting June 3, 2024, Indiana school corporations, accredited non-public schools, charter schools, and coalitions of school corporations will be eligible to receive up to $100,000 for managing safety threats.????
• Allowable expenses: Student safety management technology, visitor management technology, technology to expedite the notifications of first responders, behavioral health threat assessment training, critical incident digital mapping, and more.??
• Deadline: July 1, 2024.??

Jun 3-7?

TAASRO?

Orange Beach, AL? Orange Beach Event Center?

More Info ?

Jun 5?

Region 18 ESC Safety Summit?

Midland, TX?

More Info ?

Jun 9-12?

2024 TSDPCA Conference?

Grapevine, TX? Gaylord Texan?

More Info ?

Jun 10-12?

2024 Florida School Safety Summit?

Orlando, FL?

More Info ?

Jun 13-14?

Utah School Safety Conference?

Riverton, UT?

More Info ?

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Jun 17?

GS3 School Safety Summit?

Athens, GA? Athens Classic Center?

More Info ?

Jun 23-27?

TX School Safety Conference?

San Antonio, TX? San Antonio Marriott Rivercenter Hotel?

More Info ?

Jun 30-Jul 3?

National Charter Schools Conference (NCSC)?

Boston, MA? Boston Convention & Exhibition Center?

More Info ?

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