Page 68 - Wellness Program 2022
P. 68
STUDENTS
Physical Education
& Physical Activity Environment &
Social & Emotional Climate EMPLOYEES Engagement COORDINATING POLICY, PROCESS, AND PRACTICE Counseling, Social Services Social & Emotional & FAMILIES
Nutrition
Community
Involvement
Services
Family
Psychological
HEALTHY SAFE
CHALLENGED SUPPORTED ENGAGED
Physical
Environment
Employee IMPROVING LEARNING AND HEALTH Health Climate
Wellness Education
Health
Services
COMMUNITY
The Safe School Ambassadors®(SSA) Program has over twenty years of field experience since
1999. It is important to note that the SSA Program provides district and school leaders with an understanding
as to the why we continue the implementation on campuses and supports the logic behind how the program
model clarifies its place in several of our Palm Beach County School District imperatives…the Strategic Plan,
our Positive Behavior Support (PBS) initiative while also meeting the needs concerning issues surrounding
student Mental Health.
The Senate Bill (SB) 7026: “Public Safety” citing this act as the “Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School Public
Safety Act” outlines specific mandates and actions that are included in our School Safety Laws and Policies. SB
7026 clearly states that students need to be involved in the creation of safe campuses. Safe Schools recognizes
this imperative, and believes it is more important than ever that we continue to focus on providing programs
that adhere to this legislation and provide resources to address school safety and mental health. The SSA
Program is an evidence-based program; meaning it is grounded in research and proven to have an impact on
the social climate in schools.
Let’s shed light on the program logic and the unique features that give the program its strength. Many
programs are done to students, or for students…very few are done with students or by students. It is truly
student-centered.
The Safe School Ambassadors Program:
focuses on reducing incidents of peer mistreatment, decreasing discipline incidents, improving school
climate which in turn results in increased attendance and improved academic performance
utilizes and engages all students by harnessing the power of all bystanders whose silence or
acquiescence, in the face of mistreatment “permits” the cruelty to happen and continue
intentionally recruits socially-influential leaders from all our ethnic, social, interest and diverse cliques
extends skill development and an additional mindset to students in grades 4-5 so that the Safety
Patrol’s role is not only one of physical safety measures but extends their mindfulness to providing
emotional safety as well
addresses all forms of social cruelty, microaggressions, bullying and violence. The SSA Program takes
actions to prevent, stop, and interrupt a broad spectrum of peer mistreatment and microaggressions.
(i.e., exclusion, put-downs, relational aggression, and sexual harassment, cyberbullying)
requires adult supervision and support. Any student learning new skills and tries to use them in
challenging circumstances needs regular opportunities to:
o discuss his/her experiences with others who understand,
o sharpen skills through practices and coaching from peers and mentors; and
o receive meaningful recognition and appreciation for their courage and commitment
collects data related to the Ambassadors activity, actions and impact of their interventions on campus
climate and safety.
The District values the role of the “Program Advisor” as it is considered the lifeline that holds the students and
program together, providing opportunities for the Safe School Ambassadors to:
experience supervision and guidance from interested, nurturing, and caring adult advisor(s),
continue to develop skills through meaningful work and participation,
receive additional emotional support, and
cultivate inspiration for ambassadors to continue providing service that contributes to making school
a positive environment for all students to lead, initiate, and support existing school-wide climate and
safety projects and activities.
68 FY22 Wellness Promotion Policy (WPP) Annual Report BACK to Menu
