Ensuring the safety and security of all students, teachers and staff in a positive and supportive environment is a round-the-clock operation for the school safety, security, and opportunity and achievement departments at Mesa Public Schools.
DEVELOPING IMPACTFUL RELATIONSHIPS
In classrooms and campuses, Student Resource Officers, or SRO’s, play an integral part of the team and have kept students safe for more than 20 years. These fully sworn law enforcement officers are a liaison between the school and the police community, and work to keep order and build relationships within the community.
Allen Moore, the director of school safety and security at Mesa Public Schools, said there is an assigned Student Resource Officer on every junior high and high school campus. The officers work for the police department and the district reimburses the police department for their salaries. “The greatest benefit of having security officers on school campuses is the bridges that are built between the students and the police,” said Allen.
Student-officer relationships are key to helping at-risk students by keeping them on the right path. These highly-trained officers walk their campuses, responding to calls that include drugs, assault and any criminal activity.
Student Resource Officers are in classrooms, working to reduce crime by educating students about a variety of subjects, including the consequences of drug abuse, drinking, vaping, violence and bullying.
“SRO’s foster an environment where students and parents feel comfortable approaching and speaking with the police officers,” said Greg Milbrant, principal at Mountain View High School. “Many times, sensitive information is shared that may not have been before, giving officers the opportunity to be preventative, instead of reactive.”
STRATEGIES FOR CREATING SAFE SCHOOLS
CARE (Crisis and Response Evaluation) teams implemented during the 2019-2020 school year provide schools with the tools, support and compassion needed during stressful events.
Dr. Michael Garcia, director of opportunity and achievement, shares that each school CARE team consists of principals, counselors, nurses and related professionals trained to handle difficult and sensitive situations on a campus.
These situations may include the loss of a student or staff member, an individual expressing the potential to harm themselves and, bullying and minor altercations or acts of similar nature on a campus. Should schools express the need for additional support, a district CARE team is available to assist.
“CARE Teams know what resources to deploy and can collaborate with district departments to provide schools with the help they need to ensure students and staff are safe and feel supported,” Dr. Garcia shared.
HELPFUL RESOURCES FOR PARENTS AND COMMUNITY
For parents and the community, access to social, emotional and mental health resources are located on all school counseling websites. Also, helpful links take people directly to additional resources for suicide prevention and where to get help.
“What’s great about these resources is that they are 24/7, so anyone can call at any time,” Dr. Garcia said.
For more information regarding suicide prevention, please visit mpsaz.org/opportunity/suicide-prevention.
Mesa Public Schools Promise: Every student in Mesa Public Schools is known by name, served by strength and need, and graduates ready for college, career and community.
To learn more about Mesa Public Schools, visit our website at mpsaz.org.