Nebraska Department of Education, courtesy

NEBRASKA – Schools and school districts work hard to “Put School Safety First” and are now recognized with the Nebraska Department of Education (NDE) Badge Certification for their efforts to meet school safety and security requirements, training, drills and best practices.

NDE has introduced a badge system to recognise schools that are doing their best to provide a safe environment for our students, staff and visitors.

The badge identifies and recognizes public and nonpublic school districts in Nebraska that meet the highest safety standards. Schools can earn diamond, gold or silver badges that highlight their commitment to the safety of students, staff and visitors.

Effective learning can only take place in a safe environment, and this certification gives communities the assurance that their schools are actively meeting the four pillars of safety: prevention, preparation, response and recovery. Diamond certification means a district meets the highest standards in school safety, with gold being the next level, followed by silver. By earning these badges, schools demonstrate their commitment to Place School Safety.

School districts have established safety and threat assessment teams and are required to create emergency plans, develop safety policies, conduct safety drills, provide training on suicide and other safety issues, and have safety best practices in the areas of digital violence, substance abuse, intimate partner violence, and countless others to keep school communities and their members safe from harm.

Badge certification was announced at the Administration Days Conference in July and several rural and urban school districts have already completed the checklist and are receiving their badges. Districts will display the badges at their building entrances, websites and social media platforms to demonstrate and communicate to communities that they will always “put school safety first!”