Highlights and achievements 

We have made remarkable strides in various areas. We have improved and expanded our safety audits to include detailed information and trend analysis. We have also expanded our “SERIES" of services to include all-hazard functional exercises, behavioral threat assessment training, as well as mental health training. All of these have resulted in positive feedback, demonstrating the growth awareness and commitment to safety within our community. These and other accomplishments are a testament to the hard work and dedication of our team and the active participation of our members and the community support. Serving all twenty-five school districts in Harris County as well as other districts in the area, is an achievement we do not take lightly but one that we will wholeheartedly continue. 

Looking ahead 

As we move forward, we are excited about the future and the opportunity it holds. Our upcoming events include a grand celebration of our 25th anniversary where we will honor the contributions of our members and partners. We are also planning to expand our outreach programs to reach more individuals and organizations. With your continued support, we are confident that we can achieve even greater heights in the years to come. Together, we will build a safer and more secure community for everyone.

Thank you for being a part of our journey. Here is to the next 25 years!

Kind regards,

Leslie Etheridge

Director, HCDE Center for Safe and Secure Schools

To learn more about The Center for Safe and Secure Schools,

visit hcde-texas.org/safe-secure-schools.

Welcome to our first newsletter of 2025! We want to remind you of the fantastic benefits included in our membership plan. Don't miss out on your FREE training offerings! You can take advantage of a range of valuable training such as a review of your SRP, National Incident Management System Training, free training for support personnel, or Youth Mental Health First Aid training.

If you have any questions feel free to contact us for more information.

Powell Foundation Education Grants

Deadline: May 31, 2025

The Powell Foundation seeks to ensure that children and youth, especially those furthest from opportunity, receive an excellent cradle-to-career education that prepares them for meaningful employment and lifelong success.

NSLA Summer Learning Awards

Deadline: February 28, 2025

The purpose of this program is to recognize exceptional summer programs, models, and systems that keep children and youth learning, safe, and healthy during the critical summer months. Awards will be provided to entities that show strong outcomes in helping students cement the skills they have learned during the academic school year through creative curricula, unique programming, and effective family engagement strategies. This program recognizes outstanding programs that focus on science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) and STEAM education, and serves low-income preK-12 children and youth.

YOU ARE INVITED

We are excited to invite you to our Thriving Not Just Surviving Symposium designed specifically for Mental Health Professionals. Join us to explore and learn how to identify the signs and symptoms of stress in yourself and your students and/or clients. Learn how to relieve stress effectively through various techniques and strategies that can help you find ways to de-stress and rejuvenate your well-being while enhancing your professional practice. Engage with expert panelists, vendors and fellow professionals. Stay tuned for more details on how to register!

Rail Safety Matters

Join us for this Take Care Tuesday episode where we emphasize the importance of Rail safety and the critical concern that encompasses various practices and protocols aimed at ensuring secure travel on train systems. Key aspects include maintaining infrastructure, implementing effective safety measures to prevent accidents, and leveraging technology to enhance safety standards.

Tune in as we incorporate and share how to foster community awareness with education which plays a crucial role in reinforcing the principles of rail safety, creating a safer environment for all rail users.

A Division of Harris County Department of Education

 6005 Westview, Houston, TX 77055

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