INTRODUCTION

The final phase of the safety planning model consisted of two planning days. Members of Mt. Pleasant High School's Safety Planning Committee were sent a copy of the Internal and External Scans (see attached Planning Background Materials) a few days prior to the planning sessions in order to give them an opportunity to read the report in its entirety. The Safety Planning Committee convened in order to create a safety plan for their school. The two all day planning sessions were facilitated by CEP. The purpose of the first of the two planning days was to review and interpret the data collected during the environmental scan, and to begin creating goals for planning. The second day focused on building strategies and creating a safety plan to implement at Mt. Pleasant High School during the 1994-95 school year based on the committee's finding from the environmental scan.

Mt. Pleasant's Safety Plan consists of five separate areas or components. These areas include Planning Assumptions, Critical Concepts, a Vision Statement, Goals, and Action Plans. This part of the report presents a description of each of these components and surrounding activities and the results of each component.

1.0 PLANNING ASSUMPTIONS

1.1 Methods

The morning of the first planning day was spent studying and analyzing the data from the Environmental Scan, and coming up with "Planning Assumptions" based on the findings. "Planning Assumptions" are defined as statements that, based on available information, are believed to be true and relevant to the planning process; statements describing school conditions that in some way must be addressed in the plan.

Committee members were originally divided into four groups of approximately six people, and each group was given the task of reaching consensus on seven planning assumptions. The four groups were then collapsed into two groups, each with the task of narrowing down their planning assumptions to eight, for a total of 16 between the two groups. Finally, the committee as a large group shared their planning assumptions and eliminated duplicates, giving a final total of ten.

3.0 VISION STATEMENT

3.1 Methods

Based on the information attained through reviewing the Environmental Scan, committee members were asked to brainstorm descriptors, or phrases to describe what they would ideally see at Mt. Pleasant High School in the year 1999. These descriptors and phrases were then consolidated into a safety vision statement, crafted by CEP, and reviewed by the committee on the second planning day. A vision statement can be defined as a few paragraphs that capture the planners' "ideal" for a safe school. A vision is intended to provide inspiration and a general sense of what a safe school would look like, but not to lock the planners into any pre-determined actions.
 
 

3.2 Results

A VISION FOR MT. PLEASANT HIGH SCHOOL

It is our vision that in 1999 Mt. Pleasant High School will be a peaceful campus, a place where all people are able to work together with cooperation and unity. The school will be known as a safe place for students to learn and teachers to teach. Mt. Pleasant will be a source of pride for the entire community.

Three core beliefs will form the underpinnings of this safe place. First, everyone deserves to be respected, no matter their ethnic background, their age, their gender, their abilities. Second, everyone, students, staff, parents, community members -- has a stake in the school's success and a role to play in keeping it safe. Third, school must be many things to many people -- a place to learn and go to class, a multi-service center that provides student and community services well beyond the traditional school day, a place where staff takes pride in their work and knows that they make a difference.

Because of these core beliefs, it is our vision that in 1999 there will be no graffiti at Mt. Pleasant. No weapons. No vandalism or substance abuse. Students will resolve conflicts peacefully. They will be seen walking to class, taking part in learning, or involved in extracurricular activities. During free time, students will be seen in random groups of friends, not necessarily ethnic groups. Bleachers will be packed at school activities. Some parents will be seen working on campus, contributing their time; all parents will know the names of their children's teachers. Flowers grass, trees, and murals are part of our vision.

It is our vision that in 1999 there will be more counselors on campus. More students will see the value of working for good grades, and more seniors will graduate each year. There will be fewer students who are suspended in 1999, and those who are will participate in a special program designed to engage them in activities that have value and meaning during their suspension. There will be an international club where people share their heritage and there will be greater opportunity for parents and the community at large to become involved with the school.

In 1999, Mt. Pleasant will be a peaceful campus, a safe environment where newspaper reporters and TV anchor people come to see the good that's happening in public education.

Safety Planning Committee
Mt. Pleasant High School
June 1994 Revised Sp. 98, Fall 98, Spring 99

4.0 GOALS AND STRATEGIES

4.1 Methods

On the second planning day, the committee was asked to identify three or four goals. In this context, a goal was defined as a statement, based on the planning assumptions and critical concepts developed by the planners, which describes what needs to be attained to make the school safe. Goals were brainstormed in small groups, and were subsequently narrowed down to four through a large group consensus process.

The committee also developed three to five strategies -- projects or approaches that will bring the achievement of a goal closer -- for each of the four goals. In brainstorming strategies, committee members were encouraged to go beyond the normal bounds of creative thought and offer nontraditional, and even seemingly infeasible ideas. The strategies were later narrowed down and refined by the large group. Strategies will be presented with the Action Plans in section 5.0.

4.2 Results
 
 

The following are each of the four goals identified by the
Mt. Pleasant Safety Planning Committee.

Goals

To develop and revise yearly a formal emergency preparedness plan.

To improve campus climate and the perception of safety and security within the community.

To reduce illegal and undesirable activities on campus

To increase opportunities and incentives for parent involvement.
 
 

5.0 ACTION PLANS

5.1 Methods

The second planning day culminated with the development of action plans -- specific steps for implementing a strategy -- for each goal and its pertinent strategies. The committee was divided into four groups of about six members, and each group was devoted to developing an action plan for one of the four goals. The committee then reconvened as a large group to share and refine the plans they had devised.

5.2 Results

The following are the action plans and strategies.
 
 

ACTION PLANS

GOAL #1: TO DEVELOP A FORMAL EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS PLAN

STRATEGY 1.1 Establish A Planning Committee Comprised of Staff, Students, Parents And Outside Groups (Completed Spring 98) Revised Spring '99

STEPS/ACTION

1.1.1 Work with APA to identify planning committee coordinator
1.1.2 Review the process with the school site council
1.1.3 Contact various groups for volunteers to serve on planning committee
1.1.4 Schedule planning committee meetings
1.1.5 See how this plan fits with other programs and check existing resources
1.1.6 Delineate specific "needs" for plan
1.1.7 Develop the emergency preparedness plan and coordinate with other plans
1.1.8 Obtain tentative approval of plan
1.1.9 Disseminate to staff, students, parent, feeder schools and agencies
1.1.10 Evaluate and revise plan as necessary
1.1.11 Obtain final approval and disseminate plan
1.1.12 Use identified funds (Strat. 1.2) to purchase needed equipment and supplies

STRATEGY 1.2 Develop Funding Sources and Purchase Necessary Emergency Equipment

STEPS/ACTION

1.2.1 Explore available moneys from District from present fiscal year
1.2.2 Explore availability of grant funds for school safety
1.2.3 Explore corporate funding sources
1.2.4 Establish a parent group to raise funds to purchase school safety
equipment
1.2.5 Purchase equipment and pay for training

STRATEGY 1.3 Develop A Training Program To Address The Emergency Response Plan (District Safety Day) (Oct.98 School Wide Training at Independence)

STEPS/ACTION

1.3.1 Identify the various training required (see Strat. 1.1)
1.3.2 Develop the training programs and manuals
1.3.3 Research existing programs at other districts
1.3.4 Conduct and evaluate the training programs
1.3.5 Continue training for new staff and students
1.3.6 Update manuals as necessary (APA Nov.97)

GOAL #2: TO IMPROVE CAMPUS CLIMATE

STRATEGY 2.1 Beautify Out Campus

2.1.1 Add plants to the campus (Spring 97 continuing)
a) Identify sources for greenery and planters (district, local business, community)
b) Identify sources of money (boosters, city, private, federal, public donations)
c) Set up landscaping plan (poll students, parent/staff involvement, prof. input) Grass planted in two quads.
d) Set up maintenance plan (professional input, club/group duty) (additional gardener '99)
e) Furniture installed in all quads
f) School garden area (fenced area)
2.1.2 Add murals to the campus (no action)
a) Identify sources of money (boosters, city, private, federal, public donations)
b) Solicit project proposals (submit drawing, intent of mural, size, cost, materials)
c) Project implementation (time schedule, work conditions, supplies, storage)
d) School name and mascot painted on 700 wall.

STRATEGY 2.2 Provide Conflict Resolution/Anger Management Skills to Students (spring 97, spring 99)

STEPS/ACTION

2.2.1 Identify outside agencies and districts that conduct training
2.2.2 Identify funding sources (Grant 97 -98 $14000, $16,000 for training)
2.2.3 Provide time and space for skill building seminars/classes
2.2.4 Train students in conflict resolution (fall 97 and spring 98)
a) Identify students in need/to be trained
b) Obtain parent permission/notification
c) Meet with students

STRATEGY 2.3 Create A Program to Foster Respect and Understanding among All Individuals (Activities Dir. on-going 97)

STEPS/ACTION

2.3.1 Plan year-round multicultural activities
a) Contact all clubs about responsibilities/ideas
b) Submit semester activities
c) Create library-centered displays
d) Hold classroom-centered activities (Link Crew)
e) Hold inter-club activities (community and school based)
2.3.2 Plan student recognition assemblies
a) Schedule on master calendar
b) Identify achievements (group or individual)
c) Plan assemblies (End of year Student of the year assembly)
2.3.3 Plan mini-assemblies
a) Identify presenters/topics
b) Schedule presentations (Link Crew -Keith Hawkins)
c) Identify funding sources (VIP funding)
2.3.4 Lock-in activity
a) All night activity in gym
b) Available to all students

STRATEGY 2.4 Expand Groups/Club Participation to All Students

STEPS/ACTION

2.4.1 Implement a club requirement for school/community improvement
a) Ensure that clubs submit activities
b) Ensure that clubs submit charters
c) Identify school/community resources or programs
2.4.2 Implement a school area adoption program(no action)
a) Identify "group" areas
b) Provide incentives
c) Develop plan of action
2.4.3 Create school time activities (Activities Director)
a) Incorporate minutes for extended club activities

STRATEGY 2.5 Expand the Hours of School Use

STEPS/ACTION

2.5.1 Provide Family Activities
a) Hold an International Dinner to increase multicultural awareness
b) Hold family seminars: wellness, parenting (spring 98 on- going, communication, education, literacy
2.5.2 Hold faculty-based talent show or class/lectures based on interests
 
 

GOAL #3 TO REDUCE ILLEGAL AND UNDESIRABLE ACTIVITIES ON CAMPUS

STRATEGY 3.1 Develop Intramural Sports - Positive Alternative Program

STEPS/ACTION

3.1.1 Explore funding for coordinator
3.1.2 Hire coordinator
3.1.3 Develop plans; schedule intramural sports, check timing
3.1.4 Equipment
a) Assess existing supply of equipment
b) Purchase needed equipment
3.1.5 Coordinate efforts with PE program and Athletic Directors

STRATEGY 3.2 Revise and Review School Rules to Reflect Current Needs as Related to Illegal Activities

STEPS/ACTION

3.2.1 Explore plan for one locker per student
a) Implement a no backpack rule (no action)
b) Conduct locker checks and clean-outs
3.2.2 Implement a rule prohibiting sport bottles
3.2.3 Implement a dress code prohibiting the following:
Hats/head covers
Sagging clothes
Bare torso
Inappropriate footwear
3.3.4 Form a committee to review and revise dress policy
3.3.5 Issue parking permits for individual stalls (student's lot done)
3.3.6 Control staff parking lot with gate (Done).
3.3.7 One Fight rule - automatic transfer to another school

STRATEGY 3.3 Expand the Cardinal Success Program

STEPS/ACTION

3.3.1 Hire full time coordinator (spring 98 VIP)
3.3.2 Train peer helpers
3.3.3 Coordinate with discipline team to find alternative interventions/consequences (fall 98)
3.3.4 Full Time County Social Worker (fall 97) Pathway Society'99

STRATEGY 3.4 Revise and Review Current Supervision Plan to More Adequately meet Student and Staff Needs

STEPS/ACTION

3.4.1 Identify unsafe places on campus (Survey)
3.4.2 Create an emergency response team ("Sunshine club")
3.4.3 Have back-up supervision for people
3.4.4. Increase supervision during "B" period (restrooms and inner quads)
3.4.5 Increase administrative supervision at nighttime activities

STRATEGY 3.5 Create an In-House Suspension/Detention Program

STEPS/ACTION
3.5.1 Locate funding sources
3.5.2 Form committee to define procedures and policies for the following:
Conflict resolution (Grant 97 on-going)
Refusal Skills
Study Skills
Teacher involvement
 

GOAL #4 TO INCREASE OPPORTUNITIES AND INCENTIVES FOR PARENT INVOLVEMENT

STRATEGY 4.1 Establish A Parent Volunteer Program

STEPS/ACTION

4.1.1 Survey all staff to identify areas of need for parent volunteers
4.1.2 Create letter to parents for mailing in August detailing volunteer activities
4.1.3 Hold follow-up meeting to give verbal explanation
4.1.4 Form a committee of parents to oversee volunteer program
4.1.5 Form ombudsman team of parents to assist other parents
4.1.6 Match parent volunteers to needed activities and facilitates process
4.1.7 Establish an ongoing recognition/incentive program

STRATEGY 4.2 Increase Communication between School and Community

STEPS/ACTION

4.2.1 Establish activity/information line for parent, student and staff access
4.2.2 Evaluate success/use of present voice mail system
4.2.3 If present system is good, expand to all staff; if not, find appropriate system.
4.2.4 When system is found, train entire staff to use
4.2.5 Publish numbers to families with instructions for use
4.2.6 Expand use of phone message for activities other than attendance

STRATEGY 4.3 Enhance Parent Education/Support Program

STEPS/ACTION

4.3.1 Peer Mentoring
a) Recruit volunteers from parent meeting/recommendations from staff
b) Develop 2-3 sessions of training in peer mentoring
c) Notify parents/staff that trained group exists
d) Have peer-mentoring meeting every 2-3 months for ongoing support
4.3.2 Parent Support Groups-Regular and Drop-In
a) Publicize to the community and staff
b) Develop group's from/by interest
4.3.3 Parenting Skills
a) Research options available
b) Select appropriate program
c) Advertise to community and staff
d) Schedule series
4.3.4 Adult Education Classes/ESL - Algebra
a) Contact AC for availability of courses
b) Publish to parents
c) Develop classes
 

GOAL #4 TO INCREASE OPPORTUNITIES AND INCENTIVES FOR PARENT INVOLVEMENT

STRATEGY 4.4 Begin Recruiting Interested/Active Parents In Elementary/Middle School Feeder Schools

STEPS/ACTION

4.4.1 Get lists of active parents from feeder schools
4.4.2 Invite these parents to participate in summer programs (Bar-B-Que, Etc.)
4.4.3 Develop speakers bureau to attend parent meetings at feeder schools
4.4.4 Invite parents personally to September Volunteer meeting

STRATEGY 4.5 Increase/Enhance Social Services Offered To Students and Families

STEPS/ACTION

4.5.1 Evaluate current offerings, such as the following:
Social Worker
Gardner Health Clinic
Filipino Youth Coalition
School Psychologist
Breakout Ministries
Pathway Society

4.5.2 Identify services needed - research already underway for the following:
Anger management/conflict resolution - Center for Human Development Center for living with dying
ADAEP - drug education/decision making
4.5.3 Take an inventory of what other services are needed
4.5.4 Implement peer-mentoring program for students and parents