Safe Schools

Each day, the physical, mental, and emotional well-being of every student is a fundamental responsibility of our schools. This responsibility requires policies that support wellness and positive behaviors while also redirecting, deterring, and defining consequences for harmful and negative behaviors. Bullying, dehumanizing, or prejudicial actions in any form threaten student health and wellness, interfere with learning, and negatively impact our community. 

Students and families come to the Francis Howell School District from a variety of different backgrounds, representing many cultures and a wide range of experiences. Schools can foster a sense of security and respect for individuality and community through supportive policies, community education, and stakeholder engagement. Respecting these backgrounds and creating a sense of belonging in our schools is foundational to student performance. 

While there may be times when socio-economic and political views are in opposition to each other, the safety and dignity of all students should always remain the priority of the school district and its representatives. This objective represents a decisive step toward safeguarding our students and insulating the educational environment from political pressures. We support actions of the School Board that ensure every student feels valued, protected, and empowered to succeed.

More Resources:

Social-Emotional Learning and Academic Performance

Studies about belonging and student achievement (MIT Teaching and Learning Lab)

The Institute of Educational Sciences on Culturally Responsive Practices