Safe Connect

Back to School Safety

Back to School Safety

Sep 8 / Safe Connect

Photo provided by: CDC 

"Back to School Safety: A Must for Students and Faculty"
As summer vacation comes to an end, the excitement of heading back to school fills the air. While the return to classrooms is eagerly awaited by both students and faculty, it's crucial to prioritize safety as a top concern. With the ongoing pandemic and everyday safety precautions in mind, here are some important tips for ensuring a safe return to school for everyone involved.

10 things you should be doing to help ensure a safe learning environment.

1. Follow Health Guidelines:
Stay informed about the latest health guidelines from local and national authorities. These guidelines may include mask-wearing, social distancing, quarantine or other health and safety related protocols that can help promote a safe learning environment.

2. Maintain Good Hygiene:
Hand hygiene remains essential. Ensure that hand sanitizing stations are readily available throughout the school, and encourage regular hand washing.
Cough and sneeze etiquette should be emphasized to prevent the spread of germs. Encourage the use of tissues or elbows to cover one's mouth and nose.

3. Promote Physical Distancing:
Create physical distancing measures within classrooms and common areas. Arrange desks and seating to maximize spacing.
Consider staggered schedules, if possible, to reduce overcrowding in hallways and other high-traffic areas.

4. Keep Facilities Clean:
Regularly clean and disinfect high-touch surfaces, such as doorknobs, light switches, and desks.
Ensure adequate ventilation in classrooms and shared spaces to improve air quality. Ensure water filtration is working correctly and potable water meets standards.

5. Encourage Open Communication:
Foster open communication between students, faculty, and parents. Encourage reporting of any symptoms or potential exposures to contagious diseases/illnesses or other hazards that may affect others.

6. Prepare for Emergencies:
Conduct safety drills and ensure everyone knows the emergency procedures in case of fire, severe weather, active shooter or other unexpected situations.
Have a well-stocked first aid kit readily available and ensure staff are trained in basic first aid.

7. Cybersecurity Awareness:
In today's digital age, cybersecurity is crucial. Educate students and staff about safe online practices, including protecting personal information and avoiding suspicious links and emails.

8. Mental Health Support:
Recognize the importance of mental health. Ensure students and faculty have access to counseling services or resources to help manage stress and anxiety.

9. Social Media Safety:
Parents, teachers and students be wary of the back to school photos and information you post on social media platforms. What kind of information are you making public in your photos or social media posts for all to see? 

10. Stay Informed:
Stay updated on the latest developments related to school safety. Adjust your safety protocols as needed based on the evolving situation.

Conclusion:

By prioritizing safety and following these guidelines, you can help create a secure and welcoming environment for students and faculty alike. A safe school setting is essential for effective learning and teaching, and together, you can make this school year a success while keeping everyone's health and well-being in mind. Welcome back to school, and let's make safety a top priority!