4 minute read
Pillar 6: Safety and Wellness
BUILDING RELATIONSHIPS IN THE CLASSROOM
Creating a safe and comfortable atmosphere is important for all teachers, especially SISD’s. One of the best ways to encourage classroom dialogue, create a positive classroom climate and strengthen students’ social skills is to implement restorative practices.
Restorative practices offer schools a way to help students develop the very real-life need for conflict-resolution skills and self-regulation techniques. SISD teachers have been trained in these practices and have implemented them in their classrooms.
“Helping teachers build capacity to handle behavior issues before they escalate is a priority for SISD,” Assistant Superintendent Dr. Christi Morgan said. “This helps limit time outside the classroom for our students so they can focus on what’s important - learning academically and growing socially and emotionally.”
Teachers use a variety of tools and techniques to help restore their classrooms. Students can use calming tools to self-regulate. A teacher may implement a restorative circle in the classroom in order to help facilitate empathy and trust among classmates. A student may also wish to visit the campus’ Calming Room in order to take a break, a breath and then move on. When you think of a teacher who makes you feel connected, what do you think of?
“They understand that we are human and that they were once our age - they are very aware of that. They’re concerned about the things we’re going through. They will ask questions and even if we don’t want to talk about it, they still show that they’re concerned.”
— SHS student
Why do you think it’s important for teachers to use restorative practices? “To build trust.” — SIS student
How has your learning been impacted by teachers using restorative practices?
“Instead of assuming I’m a bad person or something because of one incident, they take the time to get to know me. And that makes me much, much, happier.”
— SIS student All four campuses completed a
character education
curriculum.
102 “Positive Office Referrals” were submitted to Principal Brittany Dlabaj during 2021-2022 as a method of encouraging positive classroom behavior.
All four campuses have a sensory/calming room to address the physical and emotional needs of every Raider.
Every SIS teacher received a “Calming Tool Box” from Counselor Renee Stancliffe to help students use self-regulation techniques when feeling anxious.
TO WHAT DEGREE: …Do our students feel safe at school? …Are campuses prepared for crisis situations? …Are students’ basic needs being met? …Is social-emotional well-being considered and included in classroom conversations, including the use of restorative practices? …Do we foster self-esteem by allowing students to express diverse viewpoints while respecting self and others?
Needs Improvement: 8% Poor: 2%
Average: 16%
Good: 41%
351 parents answered this survey question.
Needs Improvement: 8% Poor: 2%
Excellent: 33%
Excellent: PARTNERSHIPS FOR STUDENT CARE 33%
PARENT SURVEY:
• SISD has partnered with BasePoint Academy in Forney as a source for Average: students and parents who may need 16% additional support, beyond SISD’s counseling services. • Thank you, Sunnyvale Garden Club for your continuous donations of food to the Sunnyvale Cares Closet!Good: • Sunnyvale First Baptist Church provided summer food for SISD 41% families in need. Thank you!
RATE CRISIS COUNSELING AND COUNSELING SERVICES 351 parents answered this survey question.
28% of responders selected “Does Not Apply.”
28% of responders selected “Does Not Apply.”
Not Really: 4% SECURITY
Definitely: 59%
Somewhat: 37% Sometimes: 14% Usually: 47%
SMS & SHS STUDENT SURVEY: I FEEL LIKE I BELONG AND MY FRIENDS CARE ABOUT ME. 787 students in grades 6-12 responded to this question. Rarely: 2% Always: 36% SMS & SHS STUDENT SURVEY: I FEEL SAFE AT MY SCHOOL. 787 students in grades 6-12 responded to this question.
SISD’s security team reconvened over the summer of 2022 and reviewed added safety measures made since the team’s inception in 2018. This progress includes: • Deployment of two School Resource Officers in conjunction with the Town of Sunnyvale Police Department; • Authorization and training of two SISD employees to serve as School Marshals; • Conducted Active Shooter Training; • Installed second door buzz in to create true “man trap” areas on each campus; • Never: 1%Installed keyless locks on interiors doors in order to secure locks from inside the classroom; • First responders provided with all resources needed for full access to buildings and classrooms; • Drills conducted with various scenarios to enhance preparedness; • Emergency communications plan updated and rehearsed during Active Shooter Training; • Campus and District Threat Assessment teams formed and members trained on best practices; • Emergency Flip Chart procedure plans updated, printed and distributed to all personnel.
Not Really: 4%
Somewhat: 37%
Rarely: 2%
Sometimes: 14%
Usually: 47%
787 students in grades 6-12 responded to this question.
Never: 1%
SMS & SHS STUDENT SURVEY: I FEEL SAFE AT MY SCHOOL.
787 students in grades 6-12 responded to this question.
