Deloris “DeeDee” Mihalchik, Joshua ISD
Outstanding Individual Service

Captain Deloris “DeeDee” Mihalchik created a children’s book that simplifies the Standard Response Protocol (SRP) using animal characters and easy-to-follow instructions. Understanding that younger students may have difficulty comprehending standard emergency terminology, she developed an engaging and age-appropriate resource that helps students learn and retain vital safety procedures. In addition, she created a coloring sheet that complements the book, providing an interactive component to reinforce the lessons. Captain Mihalchik personally teaches this program to all elementary campuses in the district, ensuring consistent, districtwide understanding of emergency protocols among our youngest learners.

Captain Mihalchik’s work supports Texas Education Code 37.114, which mandates that schools conduct emergency drills and exercises to prepare for potential crises. Her initiative has had a measurable and positive impact on school safety with elementary principals across the district praising her teaching sessions and noting that students now more clearly grasp the SRP language and actions. Her program has strengthened the district’s overall safety culture by ensuring that even the youngest members of the school community understand how to respond quickly and appropriately to staff instructions during critical incidents. The result is a more coordinated, confident, and safe environment for students and staff alike.