It feels appropriate that Halloween closed out October and led into November.

And it sure is November. It’s a dark day outside. Heavy rains are predicted again. This follows rain, wind, power outages, and branches down. We seem to be experiencing an overall stormy flip from the dry, hot summer we experienced. In November, too, we also flip back from PDT to PST – and lose another hour of light each day. 

From conversations with fellow educators at all levels and all parts of the state – and even colleagues around the country, it feels like that same flip has been occurring in schools just about everywhere. Calls, emails, texts, and other communications have been filled with stories of bullying, mental health concerns, threats – real and virtual. Coming back to school, while still dealing with our traumatic, disruptive COVID experience, has been challenging for students, staff, and families.

The saving grace, though, is that none of us must go it alone. Together, we will make it through the storms! Collectively, we will not only survive, but thrive! And within that context, I wanted to be sure that people were aware that our school safety team is here to help. Visit our School Safety Center website for information and resources around a wide range of comprehensive school safety, mental health, and suicide prevention, and behavioral threat assessment topics, requirements, and contact information. Each of the nine ESDs across the state now also has a Regional School Safety Center with teams working on these programs, as well.

For any questions, feel free to email me or, again, visit the School Safety Center website.