Agenda Item
Meeting Date:
7/29/2022 - 7:00 PM  
Category:
Facilities and Operations  
Type:
Info  
Subject:
Student Well-Being and Safety Updates for SY22-23  
ACPS 2025 Strategic Plan Goal:
Goal 1: Systemic Alignment
ACPS will build a culture of continuous improvement and design equitable systems for school and instructional improvement.
Goal 2: Instructional Excellence
ACPS will ensure that all students have access to and engagement with high-quality instruction.
Goal 3: Student Accessibility and Support
ACPS will ensure students have equitable access to and engagement with programs and supports that reduce barriers to learning.
Goal 4: Strategic Resource Allocation
ACPS will strategically provide differentiated resources and supports to schools and departments.
Goal 5: Family and Community Engagement
ACPS will ensure that all families and community members feel welcomed, respected, and valued.
 
Policy:
EA - Support Services  
Funding Source or Fiscal Impact (where applicable):
 
File Attachment:
220729_Board_Brief_Student_Well-Being_Safety_Security_Updates_SY22-23.pdf
220729_Att1_Action_Steps_Chart.pdf
 
Agenda Item Summary:
As shared in a previous board brief (published on 07/15/22), an internal small-group of staff has been working diligently over the summer to review lessons learned from the previous academic year as it relates to student well-being and safety. This team has also had an opportunity to review the results of the most recent Equity Climate Survey as well as community feedback on a variety of student and safety-related topics. This board brief will provide an overview of action steps that will be implemented at the beginning of the 2022-2023 academic year (Immediate Phase):
● An increased and more intentional focus on social and emotional supports for students to include a daily designated 30-minute SEAL period at all schools
o Structures such as restorative practices community circles will be used to deliver the RULER curriculum from the Yale Center for Emotional Intelligence and reinforce positive behavior interventions and supports (PBIS)
● All K-12 students will be assessed using the DESSA social-emotional tool
● Better access control within our facilities through reinforcement of ID requirements, clear designation of student and staff entrances, and the continuation of staggered dismissal at the high school campuses
● Technology enhancements at the ACHS-King Street Campus to include enhanced cellular service
● Additional School Security Officers (SSOs) at secondary schools to assist school administrators
● Revised instructional day logistics at the high school campuses
● Reiteration to students, staff and families of closed-campus status for all ACPS school facilities

As the school year progresses, additional measures will be implemented as warranted and communicated to families, staff and the community. Also, the School Law Enforcement Partnership (SLEP) advisory group has met twice during the summer and will continue to do so in the upcoming months. You can find updates on the SLEP advisory group here: SLEP Advisory Group. At this time, the school resource officer (SRO) program remains in effect through June 30, 2023.
 
Background:
The Alexandria City Public Schools (ACPS ) Departments of Student Services and Equity and Teaching, Learning and Leadership work with schools to ensure that success happens for each child, every day. These professionals are committed to delivering the promise of the School Board's commitment to the academic, social, physical, and emotional well-being and progress of each and every student.

The Alexandria City Public Schools (ACPS) Department of Facilities and Operations via the Office of Safety and Security Services is responsible for the physical security and environmental safety of all ACPS facilities. The office maintains and upgrades security systems, plans and implements safety policies and procedures, and completes regulatory testing and compliance efforts in relation to environmental safety and indoor air quality.

The mission of the Department of Technology Services is to provide a reliable infrastructure, improve operational efficiency, and enhance the teaching and learning process. The department aligns and allocates technology resources in a manner that reflects the school division's mission and strategic goals.
 
Recommendation
The Superintendent recommends that the School Board review the student well-being, safety and security action steps that will be implemented for the start of the 2022-2023 academic year.  
Approvals:
Recommended By:
Signed By:
Dr. Alicia Hart - Executive Director of Facilities and Operations
Signed By:  
Dr. Gregory C. Hutchings, Jr. - Superintendent