Changes to Fingerprinting Procedures
As of December 1, 2008, the Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE) will begin using new procedures for obtaining federal criminal history background checks of prospective public school and private school employees and their contractors. The new process does not change the basic provisions of the law regarding who is required to have a federal criminal history background check.
The process to be followed for applicants to be fingerprinted will not change, however, the process for access to CHRI reports will change. Under the current system, CHRI reports are mailed to the applicant by PDE. The applicant / prospective employee then submits a copy of the CHRI report with his or her employment application.
Under the new system, PDE will provide access to CHRI records online to approved hiring entities – public and private schools- via a secure web site. Applicants fingerprinted on or after December 1, 2008 will no longer receive the CHRI record from PDE to submit with an employment application, however, applicants may request an unofficial paper copy of the CHRI record.
The Cogent fingerprint registration site can still be accessed via https://www.pa.cogentid.com/index_pde.htm2008 Safe Schools Regional Trainings
Creating School Safety Memorandums of Understanding (MOUs)
The Center for Safe Schools on behalf of the Pennsylvania Department of Education is pleased to offer a series of regionally-based professional development opportunities to support All-Hazard Planning for local education agencies and their first-responder partners.There is no charge to attend these sessions, and registrations will be accepted on a first-come, first-served basis.
Click here for more information and to register online.
Information Sought for CDC Review of School Policies on E-Bullying
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services' Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is conducting a review of state, district, and school policies related to the use of such technology as cell phone text messaging and picture taking, blogs, and instant messaging to perpetrate aggression against peers (making threats, spreading rumors, sending embarrassing photos, etc.)
CDC has requested that districts or schools that have such a policy provide it or the appropriate contact information to Marci Hertz at mhertz@cdc.gov or 770-488-2547 by August 1, 2008.
2008-2009 Safe Schools Initiative Grantees
In December 2007, the Pennsylvania Department of Education, through its Office for Safe Schools, announced the grantees for a two-year Safe Schools Initiative grant. 2008-2009 grantees can access information and forms by clicking here.
State Officials Unveil New Tool to Protect Children Against Online Dangers
HARRISBURG (May 7, 2008) – A new resource to help teach Pennsylvania children how to remain safe while using the Internet was unveiled today at the Safe Schools Conference in Harrisburg.
"Protecting Our Kids Online" is a video/CD that has been distributed to schools and intermediate units across the state. In addition, more than 500 law enforcement agencies have received related training.
The project is a joint effort of the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency, the Department of Education and the Pennsylvania State Police.
“While the Internet gives youngsters the chance to grow and learn in an ever-changing technological environment, it is imperative for parents and educators to be proactive and protect children from the dangers of online sexual predators and cyber bullies,” said PCCD Chairman Walter M. Phillips. “The Protecting Our Kids Online CD is a wonderful tool to assist and educate parents, school administrators, teachers and community members about these threats and the appropriate steps they can take.”
“The Internet provides great opportunities for young people to learn about our world, but we must do all we can to ensure that our children don’t become the victims of Internet crime,” said State Police Commissioner Jeffrey B. Miller.
“Providing a safe, nurturing environment for our children, both inside and outside of school, is a shared responsibility and takes a collective response,” Education Secretary Gerald L.
Zahorchak said. “When all of us – educators, parents, and caregivers alike – work together, we can ensure each child grows into an inspired, productive life-long learner.”
The Protecting Our Kids Online CD was funded by the PCCD and supported by the Center for Schools and Communities, which focuses on prevention and intervention initiatives operated by schools, organizations and agencies serving children, youth and families. To view the video online, visit http://www.center-school.org/pko/.
Today’s announcement came on the final day of the 2008 Safe Schools Conference, “Keeping Our Children Safe: Strategies for Schools and Communities,” which addressed all aspects of comprehensive safe schools planning, including Internet safety issues.
The conference was sponsored by the Department of Education in partnership with State Police, PCCD, and the Center for Safe Schools. More information may be found online at www.safeschoolsinfo.com
For more information about PCCD and the commission’s other services and programs, visit www.pccd.state.pa.us.
NOTE: This press release originally appeared on the PA Internet News Service. http://www.cmsweb.listenz.com/pins/PCCDSafeSchools.html
Web Site Offers Drug Abuse Research Resources
The National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) has launched a Web site to serve researchers, practitioners, and policymakers. The NIDA Networking Project site facilitates information sharing and research collaboration among those concerned with drug abuse through access to locations, people, expertise, and resources from NIDA's research networks. To access the NIDA Networking Project Web site, visit http://nnp.drugabuse.gov/.
PA CARES Grant Funding for Olweus Bullying Prevention Program in Schools
The Center for Safe Schools, through a unique partnership with the Highmark Foundation, its Healthy High 5 Initiative, and the Pennsylvania Department of Education, is pleased to announce the availability of grants for Pennsylvania schools to address the serious issue of bullying.
The Center for Safe Schools administers an initiative called PA CARES (Creating an Atmosphere of Respect and Environment for Success). This initiative helps schools implement the Olweus Bullying Prevention Program (OBPP) to address bullying and provide safe and nurturing learning environments. The Olweus program is an evidence-based intervention known to reduce bullying behaviors in schools and is one of only 11 'Blueprints for Violence Prevention' Model Programs.
Questions about this grant opportunity should be directed to Center for Safe Schools staff listed below:
Questions about the Olweus Program and PA CARES Initiative:
Mary Dolan, Program Coordinator
E-mail: mdolan@csc.csiu.org
Phone: 717-763-1661 x151
Center for Safe Schools receives grant from Highmark Healthy High Five
The Highmark Foundation, through its Highmark Healthy High 5 initiative, recently announced a $2.3 million grant and a new partnership with the Pennsylvania Department of Education and the Center for Safe Schools in an effort to address the issue of bullying. To learn more, read the full press release.
FBI releases a new report: Crime in Schools and Colleges: A Study of Offenders and Arrestees Reported via National Incident-Based Reporting System Data
This study examines characteristics of participants in criminal incidents at schools and colleges from 2000 through 2004 as reported to the FBI by law enforcement agencies. Data on crime in schools and colleges and the characteristics of those who commit these offenses can help inform the development of theories and applications to combat such crimes. The study is available online at http://www.fbi.gov/ucr/schoolviolence/2007/index.html
