Safe Schools Initiatives

Alcohol and Drug Prevention

Northside ISD has a safe and drug-free school environment. We strive to:

• educate staff, students, and families on how to prevent and offer early intervention in youth alcohol and drug use.
• make the school environment safer by promoting norms to decrease the use of alcohol, tobacco, and other drugs.
• build the capacity of substance abuse prevention programs and services across all grade levels.
• reduce risk factors and increase protective factors among our students and families.

Bullying/Cyberbullying/Dating Violence Prevention

All Northside ISD students have the right to be safe and secure. NISD provides students with instruction in the classroom that promotes communication, social skills, and assertiveness skills. Counselors and other helping professionals educate students about appropriate online behavior and strategies to prevent and respond to bullying and cyber-bullying, dating violence and how to foster healthy relationships.  School staff receive related professional development, including information about early warning signs of harassing/intimidating behaviors,  effective prevention and intervention strategies, and reporting guidelines. 

Report Bullying - Students may submit a verbal or written complaint of conduct they consider to be bullying to any school staff member.  If you have any questions or need to report suspected bullying, cyber-bullying or dating violence,  please contact your campus administration.  All complaints will be investigated and resolved in a timely manner.

Child Abuse Prevention

Texas law says anyone who thinks a child is being abused, neglected, or exploited must report it to the Department of Family and Protective Services. In NISD we educate everyone on how to report abuse.  Our staff model best practices for families, and the community to promote child well-being and protection from abuse.

Campus Critical Incident - Grief Response Teams

Grief impacts a child’s ability to learn at school. The sadness and sense of loss that results from the death of someone a child cares about can significantly impact their social and emotional health.  In the event of a staff member or student death, NISD Grief Counseling Response Teams deploy to the campus. Grief counseling services are provided to school staff and students on request.  Follow-up resources are offered to families.

Equity and Inclusion

To do their best, ALL students must feel safe at school.  A healthy, safe, and inclusive school environment can help students thrive.  Every student, regardless of disability, race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression should be provided the opportunity to learn – free from discrimination, fear, or harassment.

Mental Health and Wellness

Promoting student mental health and wellness increases resilience, productivity, and readiness to learn.  In Northside ISD, we teach social and emotional learning skills (SEL) at all levels.  We also focus on staff well-being and self care to create healthy adult leaders as a model for our students.

Mental Health Crisis - Suicide Prevention

1 in 6 youth aged 6 to 17 experience a mental health disorder each year according to the CDC.  Recognizing the prevalence of mental health issues in children helps to eradicate the stigma.  All campus staff receive training on how to identify and refer students experiencing a mental health concern. NISD school counselors and other helping professionals are trained and ready to assist your child and family.  It’s OK to ask for help.  You are not alone.

Suicide is the 2nd leading cause of death among people aged 10 - 34 in the U.S.
It’s OK to talk about suicide. Talking does not increase the risk of harm, it actually helps to prevent suicide. Parents and guardians will be contacted every time a concern for student safety is identified at school. Counselors and other campus helping professionals may administer the Columbia Suicide Severity Rating Scale (C-SSRS) to determine level of care and interventions needed for student safety.  Community mental health resources and follow up support will be provided to families.

School Safety

School safety is a priority in Northside ISD. We strive to cultivate a culture of trusted adult staff who are trained and ready to act when concerns are reported. Students, parents and the community play a large part in keeping Northside schools safe.  If you see something, please say something.  During school hours, report any concerns to your campus administrator.  After hours or holidays, please call the NISD Police Department at 210-397-5600.