BY KAREN SUROS
In recent weeks, CCHS has been a participant in a new, multi-step process by Safe Havens International (SHI) to ensure the safety of the school’s students and staff. Part of this process has involved taking student opinions into consideration. Through safety focus groups and student polls, Broward County Public Schools (BCPS) are hoping to see how the students feel on their campus, and use that data to redefine their policies.
Safe Havens International is a non-profit campus safety organization that aims at improving the overall safety and preparedness at schools across the globe. The organization conducts conferences, workshop presentations, training, school safety assessments and school safety counseling.
This data will likely play a role in deciding future grants and improving policies.
Their assessment of BCPS took place in two phases, the first of which occurred over the summer.
First, CCHS administrators filled out a self-assessment form and SHI representatives completed their own assessment of the school grounds, which included details such as traffic flow at drop-off and pick-up times and drills. Staff members practiced emergency scenarios to gauge their reactions to the crisis.
The second phase involved a safety focus group with 25 select CCHS students. These students gave their opinion on topics such as school safety, culture, bullying and violence. Participation in the hour-long group was voluntary, and students were able to leave at any time they felt uncomfortable, although the program did not anticipate any issues.
The second phase also included was a school-wide poll, which students took during their study hall periods. The poll’s questions ranged from inquiries about how students feel on school grounds to questions about personal experiences with bullying, violence and other issues within CCHS.
The data compiled from these polls and focus groups will go first to the district, then to the schools. This data will likely play a role in deciding future grants and improving policies.
This is the first time the district has worked with SHI. In the past, Broward County schools themselves have conducted similar polls and assessments. By working with an outside perspective, especially one so experienced in handling these cases, it has provided fresh insight into areas of weakness.
“We’re in the business of educating our students,” Principal Wendy Doll said. “These people are in the business of safety and security.”
“I like the fact that the school is taking the time to make it a safer place,” sophomore Trevor Frank said.
The outside perspective also brought to light the strengths of campus security, like a single point of entry, amongst other things.
“I know that some kids feel that the ID is not really protecting you from anybody, maybe if it was bulletproof or something,” Principal Doll said. “But it does give us a quick eyeball across the courtyard that that kid doesn’t have one on [thereby lessening the likeliness of trespassers].”
Little things like enforcing student IDs on lanyards, having trained police officers stationed around campus and monitoring who comes on and off the school grounds are considered important by the school to ensure students feel and are safe.
“I like the fact that the school is taking the time to make it a safer place,” sophomore Trevor Frank said.
Overall, Safe Havens International’s appearance on the CCHS campus was a learning experience designed to make the school as safe and secure as possible.
“I’m looking forward to their recommendations,” Principal Doll said. “They have provided us with some beneficial information as to how we [go about] the business of safety and security.”
