There are still spots remaining in the upcoming Digital Threat Assessment training on August 13, 2020, via Zoom. The Illinois School and Campus Safety Program is pleased to hold the training through Safer Schools Together. The goal of the Digital Threat Assessment class is to give attendees a stronger understanding of the current social media world, tools to be able to proactively identify student safety concerns, and provide strategies for dealing with online situations as they arise. For more information or to register, click the link above or email [email protected].

For many, the beginning of August typically marks the start of the back to school season. Parents nab copies of school supply lists as kids pick out an array of items from backpacks to notebooks. For those involved in safety and security, August is typically a time to promote back to school safety, including sharing information on a variety of topics from school bus safety to fire prevention in dorm rooms. The Illinois Emergency Management Agency (IEMA) even has August's Monthly Preparedness Theme as School and Campus Safety. But, with much of the country grappling with the COVID-19 pandemic, this August is anything but typical.

For starters, many are still unsure if they will even be going back to school in person. Presently, some are, some aren't, and some are doing a combination of both in-person and online learning, and those plans may change between now and the first day of classes. For those with an entirely online format, some typical back to school safety concerns are avoided. For those holding in-person classes, traditional safety concerns can be more complex due to COVID-19. Therefore, throughout the month of August, the Weekly Update will be featuring information and resources on traditional back to school/college safety concerns but will also include COVID-19 resources.

Shopping Safety: Before students can head back to class, most will need new school supplies. While there is the option of ordering online, if individuals must go out, the CDC provides information on shopping safety on their Running Essential Errands page.

Safety Checklists for Parents, Guardians, and Caregivers: The CDC has created a page for Back to School Planning: Checklists to Guide Parents, Guardians, and Caregivers that provides an abundance of information on preparing for back to school, including resources for in-person classes and online learning.

Transportation Safety: As with previous Back to School seasons we've discussed, transportation safety is important. Not only do students need to be safe while waiting for buses, they need to be safe during the ride to and from school. Consider reviewing the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's School Bus Safety and Back to School Safety Tips For All Drivers, Students, and Parents resources. Another resource to consider is the National Association for Pupil Transportation's Bus Stop Safety Tips.

Additionally, when it comes to transportation safety and COVID-19, one resource for consideration is the Student Transportation Aligned for Return to School (STARTS) Task Force - Guidelines, Tactics, and Templates: A Reopening Plan Resources for School Transportation Professionals​. Guidance documents from the Illinois State Board of Education also include information on COVID-19 and transportation safety, including the Part 3: Starting the 2020-21 School Year​ and the Part 3 Transition Guidance: Starting the 2020-21 School Year - Frequently Asked Questions​. The CDC also provides resources on transportation safety and COVID-19 including Protect Yourself When Using Transportation and What Bus Transit Operators Need to Know About COVID-19.