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Posted by Grace Watkins

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September 14, 2023

Who Should Attend the 2023 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.

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 to create 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 and pay before October 1st, registration is $200; if you register and pay on or after October 1st, the cost of attendance is $250. Register today to claim your spot!

Register Today!

Want to know more about how nSide can help?

Email us: help@nside.io

Call us: 1-800-604-1822

September 14, 2023
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July 5, 2023

It is time to update EOPs for the 2023-2024 School Year

Each year, all Emergency Operations Plans (EOP) for the previous school year expire and school districts across the nation are required to review their EOP to ensure it is up-to-date and in compliance with state regulations. Emergencies can occur anytime in an educational setting. This requires prompt and effective measures to protect everyone on campus. In such situations, schools with well-prepared and frequently reviewed EOPs can rapidly respond, prevent mishaps, and save lives.

Why are Updated Emergency Operations Plans Important? 

Enhanced Preparedness: An updated Emergency Operations Plan reflects the most current knowledge, best practices, and lessons learned from previous incidents. It allows organizations to incorporate new technologies, strategies, and resources that can enhance their preparedness and response capabilities. 

Compliance with Regulations and Standards: Each state has specific regulations and standards in place that require organizations to have updated Emergency Operations Plans. Staying compliant ensures that organizations meet legal requirements and avoid potential penalties or liabilities. 

Improved Coordination and Communication: An updated Emergency Operations Plan promotes effective coordination and communication among various stakeholders involved in emergency response. It outlines clear roles, responsibilities, and protocols, enabling different departments, agencies, and individuals to work together seamlessly during a crisis. 

Continuous Improvement: Regularly updating Emergency Operations Plans allows organizations to identify areas for improvement based on feedback, evaluations, and new information. It provides an opportunity to learn from previous incidents and incorporate lessons learned into future planning, leading to a more effective emergency management system. 

How nSide Can Help

As an nSide user, you can easily check to see if your school’s EOP is compliant or not or check in with our live chat. Our team of experts can generate a comprehensive report that compares your EOP against the state’s regulations, which enables you to identify areas that need improvement. This significantly reduces the time and effort required when updating your EOPs. If you need assistance with formatting your EOPs or are due for compliance monitoring in the upcoming 2023-2024 school year, we are here to guide you through,  every step of the way. You can rely on the nSide platform to provide a hassle-free and effective solution that ensures your school is in compliance with all the necessary regulations and your students and staff are safe. 

If you need help with your EOP updates or have questions about how to make the necessary changes, reach out to us!

Email us: help@nside.io

Call us: 1-800-604-1822

July 5, 2023
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May 12, 2023

Misconceptions about School Safety

Our society is always on the lookout for fresh approaches to enhance the safety of our educational institutions. In fact, school safety has gained increasing attention in recent years due to the tragic incidents that have occurred in schools in the United States and across the globe. Unfortunately, with the growing attention comes a lot of misconceptions and misinformation about keeping students and staff safe. Ultimately, these misconceptions can lead to ineffective policies and a false sense of security.

Misconception #1: Because There is a Policy, Everyone Knows About it

One common misconception about school safety is that just because there is a policy in place, everyone knows about it. This, however, is often not the case. Many schools may have policies on paper but fail to effectively distribute and communicate these policies to students, staff, and parents. This lack of communication can result in confusion during emergency situations and ineffective response when it really matters. Therefore, it is crucial for schools to not only create policies but also to ensure that everyone is aware of them and that they are regularly reviewed and updated as needed.

The nSide Platform brings all of the appropriate parties who need to be involved and aware of safety policies and procedures together and shares that information across the organization. When information is disseminated to a wide variety of people, it soon becomes “common knowledge.” By utilizing the platform, schools can ensure that safety policies and procedures are regularly reviewed and updated as needed and that everyone is aware of them. With features such as real-time emergency notifications, incident reporting, and tracking of safety drills and training, nSide helps create a culture of safety and awareness in schools.

Misconception #2: Active Shooter Situations are the Only Safety Threat in Schools

While active shooter situations are a significant concern in schools, they are not the only safety threat. Other safety concerns include natural disasters, medical emergencies, bullying, cyberbullying, and more. Schools should have protocols in place to address all potential safety threats and should regularly review and update their safety plans to ensure they are comprehensive and up-to-date.

nSide can help your schools manage their EOP by providing a centralized platform to create, store, and manage their safety plans. Our Emergency Operations Planning system provides a framework for creating a comprehensive safety plan that addresses different types of emergencies. The platform also allows schools to track their safety drills and training and to easily update their safety plans as needed. By utilizing the nSide platform, schools can ensure that their safety plans are always up-to-date and easily accessible in case of an emergency.

Misconception #3: School Safety is Solely the Responsibility of School Administrators

It is true that school administrators are responsible for creating and implementing safety protocols and procedures. However, school safety is everyone’s responsibility. Teachers, students, staff, parents, and local first responders all play a vital role in the process of planning, preparing, and preventing emergency events. Teachers and staff members should be trained in recognizing and reporting concerning behavior, and students should be taught to report any safety concerns to adults. Parents can also help by engaging with their children and observing their behavior and mental health status, and reporting any concerning behavior to the appropriate entities, such as their school. 

However, there are other key players in this as well:

Facilities Directors

Facilities directors can play a crucial role in school safety. They are responsible for ensuring that school buildings and grounds are well-maintained and safe. This includes conducting regular safety checks, identifying potential hazards, and ensuring that safety equipment, such as fire extinguishers and smoke detectors, are in good working order. Facilities directors should also work closely with school administrators to ensure that safety protocols and procedures are in place and that everyone is aware of them.

Coaches

Coaches also play an important role in school safety. They often have close relationships with their athletes and can be a valuable resource in identifying and addressing safety concerns. Coaches should be trained to recognize and report concerning behavior and should also be aware of the school’s safety protocols and procedures. In addition, coaches can help promote a positive school culture by encouraging teamwork and respect among their athletes.

Local First Responders

Local first responders, such as police officers, firefighters, and EMTs, play a critical role in school safety. They are often the first responders in emergency situations and can provide valuable assistance in securing the school and protecting students and staff. Schools should work closely with local emergency responders to ensure that their safety plans are effective and to establish clear lines of communication in case of an emergency. Regular training exercises with local emergency responders can also help ensure a coordinated response in case of an emergency.

By working together, the entire school community can create a safer environment for everyone.

Dismissing the pitfalls related to the misconceptions of school safety can lead to policies and procedures that are ineffective, costly, and even dangerous. It is essential to be aware of these misconceptions and to approach school safety with evidence-based strategies that prioritize the well-being of all students. By doing so, we can create safer, more secure learning environments for everyone. Schools should focus on creating a positive school culture that addresses the social and emotional needs of students, implementing comprehensive safety plans, and working closely with law enforcement officials to ensure that their safety plans are effective.

nSide provides a comprehensive approach to school safety that goes beyond just physical security measures. Our platform offers a range of tools and resources that address the many factors that contribute to school safety, including emergency operations planning, behavioral threat assessment case management, communication tools, and compliance tracking. By taking a comprehensive approach to school safety and consolidating your technology, information, and personnel into one platform, your school can avoid these common safety misconceptions. 

Want to know more about how nSide can help?

Email us: help@nside.io

Call us: 1-800-604-1822

Request More Information!
May 12, 2023
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May 2, 2023

Mental Health and Threat Assessment

Behavioral assessment is an essential tool that can help prevent and manage an array of challenges in schools. It involves identifying and evaluating potential threats posed by individuals and developing strategies to address them. By using a threat assessment approach, schools can identify students who are at risk of harming themselves or others and provide them with the necessary support and intervention.

A threat assessment team is typically composed of individuals with different backgrounds and areas of expertise who work together to assess potential threats and risks to the school community. The composition of the team may vary depending on the school district’s policies and procedures but typically includes the following:

  • School Administrators
  • School Psychologist or mental health professional 
  • School Counselor
  • School Resource Officer 
  • Teacher or staff member

Mental health challenges are a significant concern for schools today. Students may experience stress, anxiety, depression, and other mental health conditions that can impact their academic performance, behavior, and social interactions. Moreover, students who are struggling with mental health challenges may be at risk of engaging in dangerous behaviors such as self-harm or violence toward others.

By implementing a threat assessment approach, schools can better identify and address these risks. The threat assessment process typically involves several steps:

  1. Identify the threat: This involves identifying students who are exhibiting concerning behaviors. It may also involve identifying students who are struggling with mental health challenges, such as anxiety or depression, and who may be at risk of engaging in dangerous behaviors. 
  2. Gather information: This involves interviewing the student, speaking with teachers and other appropriate school personnel, reviewing the student’s academic and disciplinary records, and consulting with mental health professionals and law enforcement as needed. 
  3. Assess the risk: This involves evaluating the potential harm the student may pose to themselves or others. Based on this assessment, school administrators can determine the appropriate level of intervention needed to address the situation.
  4. Develop a plan: This involves creating a personalized plan for the student based on their specific needs and circumstances. It is important to keep in mind that while there are common warning signs, mental health struggles can look different in every student.
  5. Implement the plan: This involves putting the plan into action and providing ongoing support and monitoring for the student. This may include working with mental health professionals, school staff, and the student’s family to ensure that everyone is aware of the situation and knows how to respond if necessary.

The nSide platform offers a behavioral threat assessment case management system that allows those teams to easily monitor, manage, and store all threat assessment cases.  This provides a centralized location for all threat assessment information, allowing appropriate personnel to follow cases through to the end, quickly access and review past cases, as well as identify patterns and trends that may require further action.

nSide is proud to offer a platform that houses everything related to school safety in one central location to make it easier to access, share the responsibility, and maintain it year after year. We use this connected technology to bring together everyone in your school community, including administrators, SROs, teachers, students, law enforcement, and EMS. Everything we offer is centered around connecting these groups to make reactions quick and directions clear. We work to help you create an environment that not only saves lives but also creates an environment that feels safe so learning can flourish.

Want to know more about how nSide can help?

Email us: help@nside.io

Call us: 1-800-604-1822

Request More Information!
May 2, 2023
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Blog Banner A Disjointed Approach to School Safety
April 19, 2023

A Disjointed Approach to School Safety

It is necessary that schools take a comprehensive and cohesive approach to ensuring the safety of their students and staff. If school safety procedures and protocols are inconsistent or unclear, it can lead to uncertainty and insecurity, negatively impacting the learning environment. A disjointed approach can undermine the trust and confidence that students, faculty,  staff, and parents have in a school’s ability to keep them safe. 

It is easy to see how confusion can ensue when the elements of school safety planning are all housed in different apps, software, or physical locations. For example, elements of school safety planning and where they are often housed can look like this:

In addition to the locations of these elements, it is important to consider how easily accessible these elements are for all relevant personnel. An integrated school safety management system that combines all the elements of school safety, such as emergency response plans, threat assessments, and incident reporting, into a single, ready-to-use platform can reduce fragmentation and increase access to information for those who need it. Utilizing such systems makes it easier to reduce confusion and increase the effectiveness of such measures. 

Additionally, schools should prioritize communication and collaboration among all members involved in school safety. This includes regular training sessions, drills, and meetings with local emergency response agencies to ensure that everyone is on the same page and working together to keep the school and community safe. Here are 5 steps that schools can take to address the issue:

  1. Conduct a thorough assessment of the current safety measures: Schools should evaluate their existing safety procedures and identify any gaps or inconsistencies that need to be addressed. This assessment should involve input from all stakeholders to ensure that a variety of perspectives are being taken into account. 
  2. Develop a comprehensive safety plan: Based on the assessment, schools should develop a comprehensive safety plan that outlines specific steps to address any gaps or weaknesses in their current approach. The plan should include clear protocols for responding to emergencies, as well as strategies for preventing incidents from occurring in the first place. 
  3. Provide training and education: Schools should provide training and education to all staff and students to ensure they understand the safety protocols and know how to respond in an emergency. This training should be ongoing and regularly updated to ensure everyone is prepared. nSide Training focuses on using the nSide Platform, as well as school safety best practices such as drills, tabletop exercises, threat assessments, and assemblies. 
  4. Utilize technology: Technology can be a valuable tool in enhancing school safety. Schools can use security cameras, 360-mapping, fleet tracking, access management, and more to monitor the school environment and identify potential threats. Integrating the nSide Suite of Products into your existing emergency management systems can help put you on the right path toward keeping your schools safe. 
  5. Foster a culture of safety: Districts should work to foster a culture of safety that encourages all members of the community to be vigilant and proactive when it comes to safeguarding our schools. This can be achieved through regular communication and outreach to students, staff, and parents, as well as through the establishment of relationships with local first responders and emergency management organizations.

It is essential that schools take a holistic approach to school safety, bringing together all the necessary elements in a coordinated and accessible manner. By conducting a thorough assessment, developing a comprehensive safety plan, providing training and education, utilizing technology, and fostering a culture of safety, schools can create a safer and more secure environment for their students, staff, and community. 

nSide, Inc.™ is proud to offer a platform to house your school’s safety plans. Please take a moment to familiarize yourself with all we have to offer to help keep schools safe.

Email us at help@nside.io so that we can help you build the best safety plan for your school!

Request More Information!
April 19, 2023
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Blog Banner FAQ
March 9, 2023

Frequently Asked Questions – Part 1

Here at nSide, we aim to ensure that school administrators and safety professionals can easily manage the various elements required to keep their schools safe. We also understand that things can be confusing and unclear sometimes. This is why we have created a Frequently Asked Questions list to hopefully answer any questions you may have about using the nSide platform!

How do I add a new user?

To add a new user, there are a few steps you must take:

  • Log in to your nSide account
  • Locate the Organization Manager on the right-hand side of your screen
  • Once you have opened the Organization Manager, click the “Manage Invitations” tab
  • Invite user(s) to register
  • Enter one or more email addresses and click the “Invite User(s)” button below to send

Alternatively, a user may request an account. The SPOC will then have to once again enter the “Manage Invitations” tab and either accept or reject the request. For more details on this process, read our article about the Organization Manager.

Why won’t my EOP turn green?

In the nSide Platform, the individual sections of your Emergency Operations Plan have three color distinctions depending on their level of completion:

If your EOP indicator doesn’t turn green, it means that there is something incomplete in the EOP.

How do I add a drill/training report?

Once you have logged in to the nSide Platform, locate and open the Plans tab at the top of your screen. Within your EOP, you will see a section titled “Drill and Training Reports.” To add a report, simply choose “Add a Drill Report,” “Add a Training Report,” or “Add a Crisis Report.” Additionally, you have the option to view any reports or mandatory training resources. 

If you are in Alabama, this article may be helpful.

Why is the drill/training that I conducted not a choice in the dropdown menu?

If you are unable to find the specific drill/training that you conducted, it most likely means that it is not required for your state.

Why won’t my Skills-Survey submissions populate?

To review your Skills Survey, you must first locate the Assess tab at the top of your screen within the nSide Platform. Once you have opened Assess, you will find a tab at the top of your screen labeled “Skills Survey Management.” Any Skills Survey submissions that you have made will be located here. If you have a submission missing, make sure that you have fully completed the form and correctly submitted it. It is also possible that it could have been placed in the wrong school. In addition to the Skills Survey Management, you must also fill out the Staff Skills Survey and Inventory within your Emergency Operations Plan. For additional instructions, check out our Member Profile article!

How do I submit a bug?

If you notice a bug within the nSide Platform, let us know! On the landing page of your nSide profile, you can find a button on the lower right-hand side of the screen labeled “Report a Bug.” Simply provide your email address and a brief explanation of what you are experiencing. Once you have submitted it, our team will work as quickly as possible to resolve the issue.

You can also click on the exclamation point icon in other parts of the platform to report a bug. For more information, read our article Reporting a Bug.

Why are my maps incorrect?

Incorrect maps may mean that a user error has occurred or that there is a lack of information regarding mapping/floor plans. Have there been any changes on campus? Have you sent us updated floor plans recently? Whatever the case, reach out to us so that we can figure out how to get your maps up-to-date!

It may also be something you can easily correct! If there have been changes on campus, read our recent use case on Building Changes. If there are points or features that need to be edited or added, check out Editing Features.

For any additional questions or support, contact us at help@nside.io, 1.800.604.1822, or LiveChat on our website!

For any additional information or instructions, visit our nSide|Community!

March 9, 2023
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Blog Banner School Bus Safety
February 22, 2023

Taking Bus Safety to the Next Level

In the event of an emergency or accident, the school bus driver is often the first point of contact for students. This means they must be prepared to respond quickly and efficiently to ensure the safety of everyone on the bus. Safety drills can help school bus drivers become familiar with the proper emergency procedures for emergencies such as inclement weather, a fire or explosion, an intruder, weapons, accidents, and more. By participating in safety drills, drivers can develop the skills and confidence needed to respond quickly and effectively in a crisis. Here are some situations in which school bus drivers should be trained to handle emergencies:

  1. Inclement Weather: Emergencies such as hurricanes, tornadoes, or snowstorms can significantly impact transportation routes and road conditions. 
  2. Fire: In the event of a fire, bus drivers need to know how to evacuate the bus quickly and safely while keeping students calm and orderly. They should also be able to identify potential fire hazards on the bus and take proactive measures to prevent fires from starting in the first place. 
  3. Bomb/Explosive: Bus drivers should be conditioned to recognize suspicious packages or objects on the bus and know what to do if they suspect the presence of a bomb or explosive device. 
  4. Intruder/Unauthorized person: In the event of an intruder or an active shooter on the bus, drivers need to know how to secure the bus and keep students safe until help arrives. They should also be taught to recognize suspicious behavior and take appropriate action to prevent or mitigate potential threats.
  5. Crash/Accident: Bus drivers need to be prepared to respond quickly and effectively in the event of a crash or accident. This includes evacuating the bus, administering first aid, and contacting emergency services.

Providing bus drivers access to safety technology can significantly enhance their ability to perform their job safely and efficiently. By reducing the risk of accidents and improving driver behavior, we can help ensure the safety of passengers and others on the road. In order to understand how, consider these reasons:

  1. Enhancing situational awareness: Safety technology such as forward-facing and rear-view cameras, blind-spot monitoring, and collision avoidance systems provide drivers with increased visibility and understanding of their surroundings. 
  2. Improving driver behavior: Some safety technology systems provide real-time feedback to the driver, which can help them correct any unsafe driving behaviors, such as harsh braking or acceleration. 
  3. Reducing the risk of accidents: Safety technology such as lane departure warning systems and automatic emergency braking can detect potential hazards and intervene to prevent accidents before they occur. 

By recognizing the signs of a crisis and taking appropriate action, drivers can help ensure that students receive the support they need to be successful both in and out of school. School bus drivers should be able to recognize student crises for a couple of reasons:

  1. Early intervention: Bus drivers are in a unique position to observe students regularly and may be able to recognize early warning signs of a crisis, such as changes in behavior or demeanor. By identifying these signs early, drivers can take action to help the student before the situation escalates.
  2. Safety: Students in crisis may pose a risk to themselves or others. By recognizing the signs of a problem, bus drivers can take steps to ensure the safety of all passengers on the bus and prevent any potential harm.

While safety is most critical within the walls of the school building, it also reaches further. Understanding the idea that school safety reaches beyond the school property line encourages schools to work with local communities to create a safe and secure learning environment for students and staff. Many students travel to and from school via buses, bikes, or walking. Their safety during these trips is just as important as their safety on school grounds. School officials must work with school bus drivers, local transportation providers, law enforcement, and community organizations to create safe transportation routes and identify potential hazards along the way.

Our product, nSide|Fleet, provides an extra layer of safety for school bus drivers, their passengers, and the staff that oversees them. With just over sixteen percent of accidents relating to school or bus companies directly, it’s crucial that schools reduce their liability and make their modes of transportation as safe as possible. nSide|Fleet does just that, giving schools the ability to monitor their entire group of school buses in just a few clicks of a mouse.

February 22, 2023
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