TxSSC
School Safety Spotlight Awards
Student-Led Groups or Programs
- indicates an overall recipient for fiscal year.
Youth of Uvalde (Y.O.U.), Uvalde ISD
Student-Led Groups or Programs
Youth of Uvalde, Y.O.U., is a group of dedicated students from Uvalde High School who have taken their Law Enforcement Career and Technical Education (CTE) course to heart and are making a meaningful impact on students districtwide. Under the expert guidance of their teacher, Ms. Norma Barbosa, these students have developed and tested lockdown buckets and are working to raise funding to provide them for every classroom in the district.
Based on their personal experiences from the tragic day at Robb Elementary School, when they were locked down for many hours in their classrooms without provisions, Y.O.U. members have designed the lockdown buckets to be easy to carry and access and to include needed items, from snacks and bottled water to duct tape and emergency tools.
They began with a needs assessment, interviewing staff and students to gather insights into both physical and emotional needs during emergencies. They invited input from classmates with various experiences to ensure the buckets addressed a diverse range of needs. Finally, they assessed the usability and comprehensiveness of the contents during lockdown drills, making adjustments based on real-time feedback and practical outcomes.
This initiative reflects the practical skills the students gain in their CTE course while also using their personal experience to create something valuable for all students.
“The Coyote Kit is special because it was designed during difficult times, and it reflects the strength, resiliency, and perseverance of the students and staff of Uvalde CISD. It is from us, the students of Uvalde High School for Y.O.U.- the Youth of Uvalde.”
“Being a part of this project means taking back the security and peace of mind that we lost on that day just three years ago— I want to help younger students feel safe in their classrooms and around their school.”
“I feel like we are truly making a difference and a way to persevere through the most challenging trials.”
“Even in the hardest time, there’s always something that offers comfort and reassurance.”
“The Coyote Kit is a great tool for promoting a secure and supportive environment in a classroom. It encourages students to share their feelings and concerns, fostering a sense of community and trust.”
“Every second counts in a crisis. This bucket of supplies is more than just a tool - it's a lifeline, ready to save lives when it matters most.”
“The Coyote Kit journey unites us in bringing safety and security back to our community.”
“The Coyote Kit brings reassurance and safety to our community and, in a way, will help us heal.”
Fall 2024
Student Ambassador Program, Frisco ISD
Student-Led Groups or Programs
Frisco ISD’s Student Ambassadors are high school leaders who work with their campus’s Whole Child Committee to assess and improve school climate. They propose, develop, and implement school-wide programming to address bullying, suicide, drug abuse, and mental health issues. They work to create a school where all students are accepted regardless of race, ethnicity, religion, age, gender, sexual orientation, disability, cultural background, physical appearance, socio-economic status, or academic achievement.
Part of Frisco ISD’s Olweus Bullying and Violence Prevention Program and Safe and Supportive Schools Program, the Student Ambassador program began to provide a student voice in safety and wellness efforts. Using data from the Safe Schools Survey to identify and develop initiatives to address high need areas, the program follows a proactive, team-based approach to safety. Student Ambassadors promote the StopIt anonymous reporting system, mentor younger students, and participate in projects such as substance misuse and suicide prevention lessons. In October of 2024, the Student Ambassadors helped develop a district-wide Fentanyl prevention lesson during Fentanyl Poisoning Awareness Month.
Student Ambassadors strive to activate and mobilize their peers in ways that positively change individuals and the entire learning community.
"Being a student ambassador is something I am very grateful for, as it gives me a space to advocate for myself and my peers and connect with likeminded leaders."
“What I like best about being a student ambassador is supporting my peers and school. I love being able to help my classmates become the best versions of themselves and truly seeing our school thrive based off the organizations hard work.”
“What I like best about being a student ambassador is connecting with the kids and exploring new perspectives!”
“What I like best about being a student ambassador is the opportunity to serve as a bridge between students and administrators, fostering growth and positive change in our school!”
“What I like best about being a student ambassador is creating a school environment where everyone feels involved and safe to be themselves.”
“What I like best about being a student ambassador is planning and executing community events that allow people to learn about our school’s culture!”
“What I like best about being a student ambassador is being able to bring everyone together through community events. I love seeing how people from different backgrounds can connect with one another and facilitate a positive environment.”
“What I like best about being a student ambassador is working with both students and administrators, allowing me to see so many different perspectives to make a positive change in my community.”
“What I like best about being a student ambassador is helping students, new or old, feel like they belong at our school with community and school events.”
“What I like best about being a student ambassador is the opportunity to be a pillar of hope in our school and allowing students, new or underclassmen, to feel the comfort in approaching me in times of need.”
“What I like best about being a student ambassador is that I get to meet different types of people that I would have never talked to if it wasn't for the class, it helped me open my eyes to many different opinions!”
“I like the skills that I learn from being a student ambassador, such as leadership, collaboration, and communications which makes me more comfortable with public speaking and different roles that I wasn't comfortable with before. The Student Ambassador program, however, has given me the skills to fit into those roles and help in different aspects of my school life.”
“What I like about being a student ambassador is meeting new people. I like everything about the program but meeting the kids and just hearing about their life is definitely a highlight. Representing the school is also cool knowing that I have the opportunity to be a voice for the student body. I like directing the short videos that are shown to the school. The SA program has so many things about it that I enjoy, and it is all very fulfilling.”
Spring 2024
Junior Safety Patrol, Joshua ISD
Student-Led Groups or Programs
Under the guidance of their mentor, Lori Jones, and in collaboration with school administrators, the Junior Safety Patrol members at Staples Elementary in Joshua ISD serve as extra eyes and ears on campus. Their presence enhances awareness of safety and security measures, contributing to a safer environment for all students, staff, and visitors.
Junior Safety Patrol meets weekly to discuss and address potential security concerns. Their proactive approach includes conducting both interior and exterior walkthroughs of campus. Members serve as a bridge between students and adults by alerting staff to potential safety issues, highlighting their role as trusted confidants within the school community. Through their exemplary behavior and dedication, they set a high standard for their peers to follow, fostering a culture of responsibility and mutual support within the school.
By actively participating in the Junior Safety Patrol, students not only develop leadership skills but also cultivate a sense of responsibility towards their peers and school community. Their attentiveness and dedication contribute significantly to the overall safety culture of the school, creating a sense of reassurance and confidence among students, staff, and parents alike.
“I have learned that teamwork helps everyone on this campus. I also learned that helping people makes people happy. I made new friends. It also brings out our niceness. It makes me feel responsible. I love helping people. I also love making people feel safe. Having a safe learning environment equals more learning.”
“To me, what it means to be in the Junior Safety Patrol is that I show respect, responsibility, and self-control.”
“We treat students and teachers with the exact same respect. Safety Patrol helps in the morning and afternoon. We have meetings every Friday to improve the way we patrol. I learn so many things from being in Safety Patrol, like learning how to take directions better. Safety in the school has improved since Safety Patrol has come.”
“I love being able to help kids and give out stickers to give them a smile on their faces!”
“I can help other kids and keep them safe. A lot of little kids run up to me in the morning because I treat them like my babies. I love everyone in my school including my Safety Patrol Monitor. Her name is Mrs. Jones, and she is the best!”
Fall 2023
Mart High School Teen CERT, Mart ISD
Student-Led Groups or Programs
The goal of the Mart High School Teen Community Emergency Response Team (MHS Teen CERT) program is to train students to respond in times of disaster. Students are trained in accordance with the National Registry of Emergency Medical Technician skills – beyond the required CERT training. Members practice skills that can be applied to real-life emergencies and then take these skills and share them with others in the school and community.
By the end of the CERT course, students are able to manage utilities and put out small fires; treat the three killers by opening airways, controlling bleeding, and treating for shock; provide basic medical aid; search for and rescue victims safely; and organize themselves and volunteers to respond effectively to emergency situations.
MHS Teen CERT members train students and staff in basic first aid and life-saving skills such as CPR and bleeding control. The team helps lead safety drills and reports back to the administration. This program gives students an opportunity to practice higher level critical thinking skills and solve problems as a team as well as an individual. If or when a disaster occurs, these students will have had the practice they need to medically treat, rescue, and save others.
“We feel safer having taken the course and more equipped to handle emergencies, and we feel empowered to share our skills and knowledge with others.”
Spring 2023
Community Keepers Student Leadership Program, Plano ISD
Student-Led Groups or Programs
Community Keepers Student Leadership Program in Plano ISD trains student leaders in restorative approaches, skills, and attitudes necessary to resolve conflict constructively in their lives at home, in school, at work, and in the community. The main focus of the program is to transform student bystanders into "Upstanders."
Community Keepers are trained by staff members of the Plano ISD Family and Social Services Department and collaborate with PALs (Peer Assistance Leaders). The Community Keepers empower other students to learn ways to resolve conflicts and disputes and brainstorm ways to “make things right” to create a stronger and safer school community. They become Restorative Thinking Partners, which is someone who has been trained in restorative practices and available to assist peers to THINK through individual situations RESTORATIVELY prior to taking action. Equipping student leaders with the restorative skills to identify potential safety situations, respond effectively, and refer students to trusted adults actively creates a safer learning environment.
"The Plano ISD Community Keeper and Peer Assistance and Leadership (PAL) programs prepare secondary students to become mentors and peer leaders in their schools and communities. The programs provide students with the necessary training to help them develop leadership and communication skills, become more self-confident, and learn how to work effectively with others. Both programs also encourage students to participate in community service projects. With a three-part series training, students develop a sense of responsibility towards their communities and peer groups. As the coordinator, I am truly honored and privileged to work in collaboration with Ms. Abdelghani and her Community Keeper students to continue to aide in creating safe and supportive Plano school communities."
“The Community Keepers group started as an idea over five years ago. The students and their passion to lead and support others were the reason that it kept going strong. The support of the Family and Social Services Department and of the campus facilitated provided the growth and learning opportunities for this group of future leaders. Over the years they have been supporting other students and leading by example of how to be an upstander. They have supported students by helping them find a trusted adult on campus when they need to talk. Growing a different group of Community Keepers each year provides a wide range of young leaders who have been trained in restorative practices, leadership skills, community projects, and social skills. I am honored to be working with this group and growing with them.”
Fall 2022
Cypress-Woods High School Wildcat Mental Health Alliance (WMHA),
Cypress-Fairbanks ISD
Student-Led Groups or Programs
The Cypress-Woods High School Wildcat Mental Health Alliance (WMHA) is a student-led group with the goals showing support for, shedding light on, and starting positive open conversations surrounding mental health.
The WMHA planned and helped host the first annual "Walk For A Tomorrow," a candlelight walk on the Cy-Woods campus with the purpose of spreading awareness and support for suicide prevention and mental health. The walk raised funds for the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention and the Cy-Hope Counseling Center (specifically for scholarships for students to receive counseling services).
The event highlighted the importance of early intervention and seeking help for mental health concerns and provided a platform for students, staff, families, and community members to talk directly and freely about mental health and encourage others to do the same.
“I’m proud that the Wildcat Mental Health Alliance has made active steps in our school to de-stigmatize mental health by hosting monthly meetings and having a community wide walk for mental health and suicide prevention awareness. I enjoy the openness and community that the WMHA has built, and that we can have a good time together.”
“The Wildcat Mental Health Alliance has given me the opportunity to collaborate with other students about mental health topics, allowing for better ideas to be formed around those topics. Being an active part of the WMHA has given me numerous opportunities to share about the importance of mental health and breaking the stigmas surrounding it.”
“During my freshman year, six high schoolers came together with the goal of ending the stigma surrounding mental health in our school. It was overwhelming and seemed almost impossible, but here we are now; I never thought I would actually make a difference, but the WMHA has made it possible.”
“The WMHA has given me a place to speak out against issues that face our school on a day-to-day basis. I have met students from a multitude of backgrounds that are wanting to be a part of the change in our school and community. Learning about how much we are able to do just from being a school club has sparked my passion for helping others. I can’t wait to continue and bring what I’ve learned with me to college.”
“Our Wildcat Mental Health Alliance has made a huge impact at Cypress Woods High School by bring awareness to issues surrounding mental health, educating and encouraging their peers about the use of self-care, and helping to end the stigma surrounding mental health concerns. As a result of their efforts, our school is a safer place because all of our students, staff, and community know that at Cy Woods it is okay to not be okay, and more importantly, that there is always help available.”
“The Mental Health Alliance at Cypress Woods High School has created an atmosphere for students and staff to feel safe in talking about mental health concerns. It’s been a great feeling to be on a campus where students feel empowered and encouraged to express their struggles as opposed to suffering in silence.”
- indicates an overall recipient for fiscal year.