HISD Superintendent Mike Miles, joined by group members and representatives from the Houston Police Division (HPD), not too long ago held a press convention to unveil the return of Undertaking Secure Begin 2023.
This initiative, coming into its thirty fourth 12 months, goals to make sure the protection and safety of HISD’s college students, workers, and campuses as the brand new college 12 months commences. The first goal is to bolster the presence of law enforcement officials inside the district and within the neighborhood of college campuses to create a safe studying surroundings.
HISD’s newly appointed Police Chief, Shamara Garner, is main the hassle. Chief Garner, the district’s first feminine police chief, brings her in depth expertise from a 28-year tenure with HPD, together with collaboration from the Harris County Sheriff’s Workplace.
The information convention passed off at Madison Excessive College, the place representatives from these organizations got here collectively to mark the initiation of Undertaking Secure Begin for one more profitable college 12 months.
Chief Garner outlined the proactive strategy for making certain security. “Religion-based leaders will stroll the halls of our faculties to bolster good habits and decision-making,” she acknowledged. “Furthermore, the regulation enforcement presence might be seen to contribute to a secure and safe begin to the college 12 months.”
Superintendent Miles additionally addressed the readiness for the primary day of college. Making certain an environment friendly bus transportation system and optimizing classroom situations amid the anticipated excessive temperatures had been key factors of dialogue. Additional measures, together with offering extra water, ice, momentary cooling items, and followers, had been highlighted to sort out the intense warmth.
High quality instruction was additionally emphasised. Principals and lecturers underwent complete coaching, and a particular coaching session often called “Demo Day” was organized for NES and NES-Aligned educators.
“Top quality instruction shouldn’t be the enemy of enthusiasm or enjoyable,” he stated. “Simply because the youngsters are studying, doesn’t imply they received’t have enjoyable on the primary day of college.”
One vital change highlighted was the district’s new coverage regarding classroom doorways. Starting this tutorial 12 months, classroom doorways will now not be closed and locked throughout tutorial intervals.
Miles defined that this coverage is aimed toward fostering cooperation amongst educators and enhancing instruction high quality. He talked about that security is paramount, however the high quality of schooling is equally essential.
“We’re preserving the doorways open to strike a stability between security and high quality instruction for our college students. This strategy ensures that we offer the absolute best studying surroundings,” stated Miles.
He says exceptions to this coverage might be made for school rooms situated close to gymnasiums or music rooms.