The San Mateo County Office of Education (SMCOE) and its partners in the Coalition for Safe Schools and Communities have created resources to help school districts create safe and supportive schools where students can thrive.
The Big Five
San Mateo County’s Big Five protocol provides five immediate action responses in any given emergency. These include Shelter in Place; Drop, Cover, and Hold On; Secure Campus; Lockdown/Barricade; and Evacuation. The Big Five has become the cornerstone of emergency response for San Mateo County’s schools. Versions of the Big Five are available for administrators, school staff, and the community.
The recording for the recent Big Five Emergency Preparedness Training During COVID-19 can be found here: https://tinyurl.com/Big5COVID
The access password is w.@J=FM7
Emergency Management Resource Guide
Emergency management includes four key phases: mitigation/prevention, preparedness, response, and recovery. Becoming familiar with all of these phases can help a school be better prepared in case of an emergency.
Four Phases of an Emergency
Additional Safety Resources
Online Safety Guide for Parents of Children and Teens (English) (Spanish)
How to Talk to Your Children about Sex, Sexting, and Digital Safety (English) (Spanish)
Student Threat Assessment Process
Student Sexual Assault Protocol
Reporting Sexual Harassment Poster (.docx) English
Reporting Sexual Harassment Poster (.docx) Spanish
School Air Quality Activity Recommendations
Guidance Concerning Air Quality
Decision Making Guide for School Closure
The recording for the recent Student Threat Assessment Protocol and Suicide Prevention Protocol Training can be found here:
Access Passcode: ?t4!i!Lv
The recording for the recent Suicide Risk Assessments during Distance Learning training, with Star Vista, can be found here:
Access Passcode: Ey7%7m.i
Background on Safe and Supportive Schools Work
San Mateo County’s collaborative work on school safety began in April 2013, when Congresswoman Speier, Supervisors Horsley and Tissier, Sheriff Munks, Superintendent Anne Campbell, and retired Assemblymember Gene Mullin sponsored a summit, "Beyond Newtown: How to Ensure Safe Schools and Communities." The Coalition for Safe Schools and Community was created as a result of that summit.
Resources
The following resources include information presented at the Summit.
Mary McGrath
Executive Director, Safe and Supportive Schools
Email: mmcgrath@smcoe.org
Phone: (650) 802-5425
Molly Henricks
Coordinator, School Safety and Risk Prevention
Email: mhenricks@smcoe.org
Phone: (650) 802-5434