Student Voice Programs The MCSS Student Advocates for School Safety (SASS) program is designed to support students in efforts to be upstanders and engage directly with students, school personnel, and parents within their school and surrounding community
to keep schools safe. Student leaders are encouraged to identify and pursue solutions through local school safety projects. MCSS works closely with the Maryland Association of Student Councils to engage student voices on school safety topics. In addition to student-led programs and initiatives, there is a student member on the School Safety Advisory Board. In 2024, SASS members represented Maryland in several national discussions on school safety, including; • National Academies of Science, Engineering, and Medicine’s study on the Effects of Active Shooter Drills on Student Health and Wellbeing for the Board on Children, Youth, and Families. • Readiness and Emergency Management for School (REMS) Technical Assistance Center’s “Preventing and Addressing Gun Violence in Schools: Youth and Young Adult Experiences as School Violence Survivors and Advocates” webinar. School Safety Organizations MCSS has worked with students over the
years to consider how best to engage school- level organizations led by students in safety initiatives. Harnessing existing organizations operating within schools to be recognized for their safety efforts and creating a new organization are all recognized and encouraged. SASS program members created and published this flyer with specific steps to take to start or expand an organization. Each organization is asked (step 4) to promote the use of the SSMD anonymous reporting system. Mix it Up in the Middle
Students having strong, healthy connections to peers and adults is a critical aspect of school safety. In an effort to promote the importance of expanding peer connections, the SASS program in 2024 is promoting the monthly Mix It Up in the Middle initiative. Data trends demonstrate that students in middle school are particularly vulnerable to social isolation. Devoting one day each month to organize a Mix It Up activity can help marginalized students make connections. This flyer shares information with schools about the challenge and provides resources to get started.
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