Important Update: BJA Office Pauses School Funding Opportunity
We wanted to share an important update regarding the Bureau of Justice Assistance STOP School Violence Grant and other federal funding opportunities.
At this time, the BJA has announced that their school funding opportunities and associated webinars are currently paused. This is a temporary pause; we have not received any indication that funding opportunities will be canceled—just delayed for the time being.
“At this time, the BJA FY25 STOP School Violence Program Notice of Funding Opportunity and associated webinars are paused. Please check back to to keep up to date on future notices of funding opportunities and webinar postings.” – Bureau of Justice Assistance
Funding School Safety: Strategies for a Successful Application
Grant writing can feel like a daunting task, but with the right approach, you can craft a compelling proposal that increases your chances of success. Whether you're new to the process or looking to refine your skills, this guide will walk you through key steps to building a strong grant application.
Focusing on School Safety in 2025: How to Start the New Year Prepared
As we head into 2025, there’s no better time for schools to reassess and refocus on their safety strategies. Ensuring the safety and well-being of students, staff, and visitors is paramount, and the new year offers a fresh opportunity to strengthen the measures in place and address potential gaps. Whether you’re looking to enhance physical security, improve emergency planning, or foster a culture of safety, there are several key areas to consider as you prepare your school for the challenges ahead.
Here’s how you can focus on school safety in 2025 and set the stage for a successful, secure year ahead:
We Are Hiring – Web Developer
Job Title: Web Developer
Date Posted: October 22, 2024
Location: Florence, Alabama
About nSide, Inc.: nSide, Inc. is a leading provider of innovative and comprehensive school safety solutions, dedicated to creating secure and nurturing environments for educational institutions. Our cutting-edge technology empowers schools to proactively address safety challenges and protect students, staff, and the school community.
Requirements:
- Minimum two-year degree in web development, related field or equivalent experience.
- Proficiency with HTML, JavaScript, VB.NET/C#, Python and MySQL preferred.
- Established problem solving and critical thinking skills.
- Focus on attention to detail.
- Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
Job Tasks:
- Write and maintain codebase for applications.
- Write and maintain documentation of nSide Platform.
- Design, build, and maintain websites – using authoring/scripting languages, content creation tools, management tools, and digital media.
- Backup files from websites to local storage for instant recovery in case of problems.
- Write, design, and edit website content or direct others producing content.
- Determine the appropriate programming languages, design tools, and/or applications best suited to satisfy project requirements.
- Collaborate with other departments to ensure success of a project.
Skills:
- Database management system software — Experience with MySQL databases and Google Cloud SQL management preferred. Experience with Microsoft SQL Server, SQLite, PostgreSQL, and other database systems will be considered.
- Experience with Cloud infrastructure – Google Cloud preferred (BigQuery, Pub/Sub, CloudRun, etc.)
- Development environment software — Experience with Visual Studio, Visual Studio Code, and/or WebStorm preferred. Experience with other development environments will be considered.
- Operating system software — Linux, Microsoft Windows, macOS.
- Web platform development software — Experience with HTML and JavaScript required. Experience with ASP.NET using VB.NET or C# preferred.
- Programming — Writing computer programs for various purposes. High level of proficiency in Python required.
- Critical Thinking — Reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems.
- Complex Problem Solving — Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop options while implementing solutions.
- Operations Analysis — Analyzing needs and product requirements to create a design.
- Reading Comprehension — Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work-related documents.
- Excellent communication skills – ability to communicate with key stakeholders and decision makers
- Excellent time-management skills – ability to prioritize and work on multiple projects.
Abilities:
- Deductive Reasoning — Applying general rules to produce sensible outcomes.
- Oral Comprehension — Listening to and understanding ideas, presented through spoken words and sentences.
- Near Vision — The ability to see details at close range (within a few feet of the observer).
- Problem Sensitivity — Recognizing when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong.
- Written Comprehension — Understanding information and ideas presented in writing.
If you are passionate about making a meaningful impact on school safety and have a proven track record, we invite you to apply and join the nSide, Inc. team in creating safer learning environments for schools across the nation.
nSide – The School Safety Platform Fully Implemented Across Mississippi Schools
Mississippi’s use of the nSide platform includes the ability to create, store, and distribute an Emergency Operations Plan within the nSide platform, access to a navigable “virtual campus” created with 360-degree photos of all schools and district central offices, a rapid emergency notification application for instances such as medical, fire, or other potential emergency situations as well as the option to participate in the surveillance module of the platform.
"We are thrilled to see nSide fully integrated across Mississippi, empowering schools to take proactive steps toward safety and preparedness," said Robert Nall, CEO at nSide. "Our mission has always been to provide schools with the resources they need to protect students and staff, and this statewide implementation represents a major step forward in achieving that goal."
Mississippi’s adoption of the nSide Platform is part of a broader effort to address growing concerns about school safety across the nation. The platform’s implementation will offer educators, administrators, and local emergency management agencies the necessary tools to collaborate effectively in prevention, planning, response, and recovery.
nSide’s mission is to provide educators, administrators, and safety personnel with the resources they need to prioritize safety, enhance preparedness, and foster a culture of safety within their schools.
Webinar – The Power of Relationships in School SafetyWebinar ft. John & Heather Calvert
Explore how fostering strong relationships among school staff, students, and law enforcement can enhance overall school safety! Join us as we discuss practical strategies for building trust, improving communication, and creating a supportive environment that prioritizes both safety and well-being.
Who Should Attend the 2024 nSide School Safety Summit?
School safety is an ongoing and critical issue in education that requires a multifaceted approach. It is not enough to rely on just one individual or department to address this concern; rather, everyone within a school or district must take part in this mission. At nSide, we understand how daunting and intimidating the process may seem. The nSide School Safety Summit is designed to help your district take those first steps. By bringing together key players in this year’s summit, attendees will have the opportunity to learn about the latest safety measures and network with other professionals in the field.
Who Are the Key Players?
School Administrators: These dedicated professionals are the driving force behind shaping the policies and procedures that govern school safety. Their leadership is pivotal in creating a safe environment for all.
Safety Coordinators: These experts specialize in risk assessment, emergency planning, and crisis management. They are essential in developing and fine-tuning safety protocols.
Technology Coordinators: Technology plays a critical role in school safety. Coordinators oversee the implementation and maintenance of security systems and communication tools.
Facilities Managers: Ensuring the physical safety of school buildings falls into the hands of the facilities managers. They typically oversee maintenance, structural integrity, and safety upgrades.
School Nurses: These medical professionals are the first responders to health-related issues and emergencies within schools, making their presence indispensable.
School Counselors: In addition to their counseling roles, they often serve as a critical support system for students dealing with personal issues or crises.
School Resource Officers: SROs are law enforcement officers specifically trained to work in schools, promoting safety and positive relationships between students and law enforcement.
Mental Health Professionals: As mental health challenges in schools continue to rise, having dedicated professionals on hand to address these issues is essential for a holistic approach to safety.
Transportation Directors: Ensuring the safety of students during their commute to and from school is a top priority, and transportation directors play a crucial role in this regard.
Local Emergency Services: Firefighters, paramedics, local law enforcement, and other emergency personnel provide support during crises and help schools prepare for a wide range of contingencies. These collaborative efforts are vital for addressing potential threats and ensuring a rapid response in emergencies.
Communication Directors: Communications professionals play a critical role in school safety by ensuring clear, timely, and accurate communication during a crisis. At the 2024 nSide School Safety Summit, you’ll gain valuable insights into crisis communication strategies, collaborate with safety professionals, and learn how to strengthen your district’s safety plans. Your ability to communicate effectively can make all the difference in protecting students, staff, and the broader community.
Your Role Matters!
The nSide School Safety Summit presents a unique opportunity for all these key players to come together, connect, learn, and contribute to the collective effort of creating safer educational environments for all.
Whether you’re a school administrator, a safety coordinator, a counselor, or any other stakeholder, your role in school safety is pivotal.
Ensuring the safety of students and staff is a collective responsibility. Don’t miss out on this chance to be a part of the solution. Your presence at the summit can make a significant difference in shaping the future of school safety. Together, we can create an environment where education can thrive.
Early Bird Registration prices end October 1st, meaning, if you register before October 1st, registration is $250; if you register on or after October 1st, the cost of attendance is $300. Register today to claim your spot!
Want to know more about how nSide can help?
Email us: help@nside.io
Call us: 1-800-604-1822
Webinar – The Importance of Behavioral Threat Assessments ft. Lt. Craig Parker
In this insightful and action-packed webinar, Grace Anne Watkins and Bree Barksdale are joined by Lieutenant Craig Parker, Commander of the Behavioral Intervention Team with the Tuscaloosa Police Department, to discuss the crucial role of behavioral threat assessment in keeping schools and communities safe.
nSide Announces Leadership Transition to Fuel Continued Growth
nSide - The School Safety Platform, a leader in providing comprehensive safety solutions for schools, is excited to announce a mission partnership with The I “Love U Guys” Foundation, a nationally recognized organization dedicated to school safety and crisis response. By combining their strengths, these two leading industry players aim to significantly enhance the safety of schools nationwide.