Upcoming Training, and Events:
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NEW Online Course: Incident Command System for Schools and Human Error in Schools : Link to Course
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NEW CISA K-12 Active Shooter Drills and Programs Landscape Assessment Tools : Link to Document
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Considerations for Education Leaders in Preparing for Active Shooter Drills in Schools: Link to Document
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Five Things About Comprehensive Approaches to School Safety, Fact Sheet published by National Institute of Justice : Link to Document
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Join your NWESD 189 Team on Thursdays |
The NWESD 189 Safety and Wellness Center welcomes you to join the team on Thursdays as we host a space for school leaders in safety and wellness as we talk and learn about:
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- Safety and wellness hot topics
- Talk with peers in our region regarding safety and wellness
- Share leading practices
- Network and collaborate
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Join us for our first session Thursday, February 13th. (zoom link below) 10 am
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ICE Visitation Annex for Schools
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Recent ICE raids have raised critical questions about how schools should respond. This annex outlines the key principles and procedures to ensure that your school is prepared to protect students and staff while upholding legal rights.
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- Key Principles to Understand
- Understanding Warrants (with examples)
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Procedures for when ICE arrives
- Example of an ICE Visitation Annex (what to do before, during and after a visit)
- Creating an ICE visit communication plan
- Role of SRO and SSO during and ICE visit
- Resources
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Disclaimer:
This guide is for informational purposes only and is not legal advice. Please consult your district’s legal counsel and district superintendent for guidance specific to your district and board policy (WSSDA 4300 Limiting Immigration Enforcement in Programs).
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What are Ghost Guns and are They Being Used in School Shootings?
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What Are Ghost Guns?
Ghost guns, sometimes referred to as privately made firearms (PMFs), are homemade, do-it-yourself firearms assembled by someone other than a licensed manufacturer made from easy-to-get building blocks. The parts are either sold together in a kit or separately to create a fully functioning firearm. Downloadable kits can also be bought online and can be made using 3D printers and printed parts without serial numbers, they bypass traditional background checks and firearm regulations. In less than one hour, these self-made weapons become fully functioning, untraceable firearms.
This makes them particularly concerning for schools, as they can end up in the hands of students or individuals who wouldn't otherwise pass a background check.
A majority of 80 online ghost gun sellers began selling the product kits within the past five years, according to Everytown for Gun Safety, a gun violence prevention organization.
Ghost guns have been used as early as 2019 in the Saugus High School, in Santa Clarity California school shooting.
Key concerns for schools include:
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Increased accessibility: Ghost guns can be purchased online and assembled at home, making them easier for students to obtain.
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Lack of regulation: Since they don’t have serial numbers, they are difficult for law enforcement to trace.
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School shootings & violence risks: There have been incidents where ghost guns were found on school campuses or used in crimes involving young people.
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Legal gray areas: While federal and some state laws are tightening restrictions, enforcement varies, leaving gaps in prevention.
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- Washington State is one of fifteen states that regulate ghost guns.
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- Educate staff, students, and parents about the dangers of ghost guns.
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- Work with law enforcement to address potential threats.
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- Implement easier safety reporting policies, including anonymous reporting systems.
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- If You See Something, Say Something! - Do your students feel safe reporting?
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- Strengthen Mental Health Support
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- Monitor Online Behavior - Schools and law enforcement should be aware of social medial threats
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- Build Trusting Relationships - Students should feel safe discussing concerns with teachers of staff.
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Secure your School Environment - Is your emergency operations plan up to date, do you have controlled entry points, and security officers, and have practiced your emergency drills (functional annexes).
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Read these articles to learn more about ghost guns, statistics, recommendations and related articles to help bolster your comprehensive school safety plan.
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Join the FEMA Youth Council Opportunity
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The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) created the Youth Preparedness Council (YPC) in 2012 to bring together young leaders who are interested in supporting disaster preparedness and making a difference in their communities. Through the YPC, FEMA demonstrates commitment to involving America’s youth in preparedness-related activities by engaging with young people and soliciting their perspectives, feedback and opinions.
The 2025 YPC application is open from Jan. 7 through March 3: Link to Application
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Generations of kids have grown up watching Sesame Street, but they are much more than a beloved television show. From timely research to classroom curricula, to large-scale social impact projects, you can find them everywhere kids and families learn and play.
Use this link to find developmentally appropriate emergency resources: Link to Sesame Workshop (you might need to register)
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Two opportunities for in-person training in Crisis Management for School-Based Incidents at Rural Schools |
AWR 148 is an 8-hour, DHS/FEMA-certified, tuition-free course designed to
educate rural law enforcement personnel as well as school administrators
and staff on the elements that would allow for an effective response to
school-based emergencies. Schools in small, rural, and remote areas across
the country account for almost 23 percent of the total student population
(more than 11million students). Rural schools, law enforcement, and other
emergency responders are often limited in resources. It is imperative that all
potentially affected parties collaborate on planning, preparing,
communicating, responding, and recovering from a school-based incident.
More information on the flier and registration button is below.
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This in-person conference fosters understanding of diverse identities, examines policies, and highlights the importance of inclusive, equitable classrooms and schools.
Designed for all school staff, it revisits the communities we serve to inspire greater inclusion and cultural awareness.
Topics include community policies, allyship, behavioral health, disability awareness, Indigenous perspectives, and Latine heritage celebrations.
Contact Vanessa Woo for more infomation : vwoo@nwesd.org
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Emergency Operations Planning Support |
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| @SchoolSafetyGov is the official account of School Safety.gov. Likes, links, reposts, followers & endorsements.
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| Erum Mohiuddin she/her
emohiuddin@nwesd.org
Comprehensive School Safety Coordinator
Northwest Educational Service District 189
360-299-4006
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