ISBE and IDPH Provide Guidance for School Graduation Ceremonies

Since traditional graduation ceremonies typically don't allow for social distancing, the IDPH and ISBE have released the Illinois Department of Public Health and Illinois State Board of Education Joint Guidance Regarding COVID-19 and School Graduation Ceremonies . The guidance document provides information on virtual ceremonies and ceremonies that follow social distancing guidance.

See Something, Say Something Month

The Illinois Emergency Management Agency's Monthly Preparedness Topic for May is See Something, Say Something. In the realm of school and campus safety, research has shown that school shooters don't just "snap." They usually plan attacks for weeks, if not months, and there are often signs that the person is on a pathway towards violence. Given the possibility of averting school violence or self-injury, it is paramount that we engage in practices that promote safety and well being, including encouraging individuals to tell someone if something appears suspicious or concerning.

In regards to See Something, Say Something Month, " If You See Something, Say Something" originated in New York. The now national campaign, run by the Department of Homeland Security, "raises public awareness of the indicators of terrorism and terrorism-related crime, as well as the importance of reporting suspicious activity to state and local law enforcement." The If You See Something, Say Something website features information on recognizing suspicious activity, playing a role, and partnering to increase awareness and promote safety. The website includes PSAs, campaign graphics, social media tools, and more. There are even short, fun videos to test your awareness on the Take The Challenge page.

Restore Illinois Plan Released

On May 5th, The Office of Governor Pritzker released the document Restore Illinois: A Public Health Approach to Safely Reopen Our State. The Restore Illinois plan creates four health regions within the state and establishes a 5-phase plan. Each phase is described along with the criteria necessary to move forward to the next phase and the factors that could cause a region to move back to a previous phase.

Expanded COVID-19 Resources Page

Back in March we announced the addition of a COVID-19 Resources Page on the Illinois School and Campus Safety Resource Center website. In the weeks that followed we have continued to add resources to help during this stressful time. Recently, we have updated the page, creating topical areas to help guide viewers to the specific topics they are looking for, be it school specific, disinfection, mental health, etc.