From Awareness to Action: A Closer Look at Rosedale Union School District’s Approach to Student Safety

Today, Lightspeed Systems had the privilege of hosting a webinar with Rosedale Union School District, where we explored proactive strategies to enhance student safety. The session, titled From Awareness to Action, provided an in-depth discussion on actionable steps schools can take to address safety challenges. We learned about the innovative tools Rosedale has implemented to foster a secure and supportive learning environment for its students.

Here’s a recap of the key points covered, the tools Rosedale is using, and the invaluable insights shared by their team. You can also watch the webinar now on-demand here.

Meet the Rosedale Union School District Team

We were joined by three dynamic leaders from Rosedale:

• Crysta Silver Hill, Chief Administrator of Student Support
• Tina Altergott, Director of Special Education
• Megan Smith, Coordinator of Special Education

Rosedale Union School District is located in Bakersfield, California, serving approximately 6,000 students from preschool through 8th grade across seven elementary schools and two middle schools. Their preschool program focuses solely on special education, while the district offers a comprehensive educational pathway that prioritizes the safety and well-being of all students.

As Crysta Silver Hill, Chief Administrator of Student Support, articulated, “We have a big responsibility to make sure our students, our staff, and any parents or visitors within our community are safe.” This commitment to safety reflects Rosedale’s structured approach to implementing tools and processes that create a nurturing environment where students can learn and thrive.

How Rosedale Approaches Student Safety

1. A Multi-Layered Team Response

Megan Smith, Coordinator of Special Education, shared insights into the district’s collaborative approach to safety. Recognizing that no single individual can manage every concern, Rosedale has established a multi-layered response team:

• Principals and Vice Principals: They lead investigations into reports of bullying and general concerns, ensuring swift resolution.
• Threat Assessment Teams: Each school has a dedicated team composed of administrators, counselors, and mental health professionals trained in the CSTAG model for thorough assessments of potential threats.
• School Psychologists and Social Workers: These professionals conduct risk assessments related to self-harm and suicide, providing essential support during sensitive situations.
• Partnership with Local Police: Rosedale has integrated a Student Resource Officer (SRO) into half of its campuses, enhancing security. Additionally, campus security personnel have been added to each middle school.

Megan emphasized the importance of a team approach, stating, “If we don’t have the right people involved, we won’t be able to respond effectively to the needs of our students.” This collaboration ensures that student safety is a shared responsibility.

2. Leveraging Lightspeed Alert and Lightspeed StopIt

Both Crysta and Tina Altergott, Director of Special Education, discussed how Rosedale integrates Lightspeed Systems’ tools to enhance their safety measures:

• Lightspeed Alert: This online safety monitoring solution scans digital interactions for concerning behavior, facilitating real-time alerts on issues like self-harm or bullying. Crysta remarked, “It gives us the ability to be proactive and intervene before problems escalate.”
• Lightspeed StopIt: This anonymous reporting tool empowers students, parents, and staff to report safety concerns confidentially. Tina noted, “This extra lens—from students noticing their peers and reporting—has been invaluable.”

This dual approach not only promotes safety but also fosters transparent communication among students, staff, and parents.

3. Proactive Training and Communication

Training and communication are integral to Rosedale’s student safety strategy. The district implements:

• Annual Training: Staff receive comprehensive training on threat assessment protocols at the start of each year, with regular refreshers.
• Student Education: Students learn about digital citizenship and how to effectively use the Lightspeed StopIt app, ensuring they understand the importance of reporting concerns.
• Parent Communication: Parents are informed of the district’s safety measures through letters and resources, enhancing transparency.

Crysta emphasized, “The more we communicate, the more we build trust with our community.” This proactive communication ensures all parties are engaged and aware of their roles in maintaining safety.

Key Takeaways for School Districts

1. Start Small and Build Gradually: Rosedale’s initial implementation of safety tools began with pilot programs to address challenges before full-scale deployment.
2. Clarify Roles and Responsibilities: Clear communication regarding who is responsible for responding to alerts fosters a more efficient process and reduces confusion among staff.
3. Foster a Team Approach: Involving multiple stakeholders in safety efforts ensures a more rounded and effective response to concerns.
4. Utilize Customization of Tools: Lightspeed’s tools can be tailored to meet the specific needs of each district, allowing for a more personalized approach to safety monitoring.
5. Prioritize Transparency: Open communication with parents and students cultivates trust and encourages the appropriate use of safety tools.

Q&A Session: Insights from the Webinar

The webinar concluded with an engaging Q&A session. Here are some key questions and responses from the speakers:

• Q: How does Lightspeed Alert and Lightspeed StopIt help your support staff when addressing tips and alerts?
• A: Megan explained, “When we receive an alert, our team knows exactly who is responsible for addressing different types of concerns.” Lightspeed’s systems categorize alerts, allowing staff to respond appropriately based on the situation—be it bullying, a potential threat, or mental health concerns. Additionally, the Human Review Team at Lightspeed provides support by prioritizing alerts and offering guidance on handling high-risk situations.

• Q: How do you inform parents and students about these tools?
• A: Crysta explained, “StopIt has a parent letter that informs our parents that we’re using that system.” This proactive communication is essential for building trust within the community.

• Q: What advice would you give to districts hesitant about monitoring?
• A: Megan stated, “Students have unlimited access to tech, so having a monitoring system is essential. With the right team approach, it’s manageable and effective.”

Final Thoughts

Rosedale Union School District’s proactive and comprehensive approach to student safety serves as an inspiring model for other districts. Their thoughtful integration of technology and collaboration among staff demonstrates a strong commitment to ensuring that every student feels safe and supported.

A heartfelt thank you to Crysta, Tina, Megan, and the entire Rosedale team for sharing their insights. Their dedication to student well-being serves as an inspiring example for districts everywhere.

Thank you to everyone who joined today’s webinar. Together, we can create safer learning environments for all students, fostering a culture of care and support in our schools.