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Dear supporters, It is a back-to-school period like none we have previously faced. Families are making difficult decisions about returning to in-person learning and school districts are working hard to keep students and staff safe. One day, students and teachers will return to classrooms once again – and the same threats that have plagued our nation will still be there. Research from the National Threat Assessment Center shows that targeted attacks increase after extended absences and we need your schools to be ready to keep everyone safe. Read on below for more information on how Stand with Parkland is working to ensure school safety during this unprecedented time. A new school year always brings new challenges. But as schools re-open after extended closures, school resource officers (SROs) can help integrate students back into the classroom during this time of social distancing and health precautions. SROs are an important piece of the puzzle for safe and secure schools. They help coordinate and implement safety plans, provide guidance to struggling students, serve as role models, and establish positive relationships between law enforcement and the community. They are the last line of defense for students and teachers when attacks occur. SROs are vital, and most effective when they are part of a behavioral threat assessment team that brings together school officials, mental health professionals, and law enforcement to proactively prevent tragedy by getting students help before they resort to violence. Stand with Parkland would like to congratulate Sheriff Gregory Tony, Debbi Hixon, and Christine Hunschofsky on their success in this month’s Florida primary elections. All 3 Stand with Parkland endorsed candidates are moving on to November! We were proud to endorse Sheriff Tony, Stand with Parkland Board Member Debbi Hixon, and Mayor Hunschofsky as leaders who will put the safety and wellbeing of the community first. We are grateful to Broward County voters for making their voices heard and look forward to the general election!
A safety plan is a back-to-school essential just like binders, notebooks, and pencils. That’s why we have a series of five questions that families need to ask to ensure their children’s safety as the school year begins. We envision these questions to be a starting point for an extended conversation that families should have with their children’s school officials, teachers, and administrators to understand the need for a safety plan and the importance of being engaged in discussions about your children’s safety. Although we have accomplished a lot, there is more to be done to prevent school attacks by focusing on the triad of school safety: Securing the campus, better mental health screening and support programs, and responsible firearms ownership. Most importantly, we will continue to advocate for pragmatic, bipartisan solutions to keep students and staff safe at school. Thank you, – Stand with Parkland
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