“Let’s Be Clear, No Weapons in Our Schools!”

During a recent press conference that included local law enforcement leaders, community members and district staff, Supt. Joseph Davis of the Ferguson-Florissant School District, announced the launch of a new safety campaign, “Let’s Be Clear, No Weapons in Our Schools!” The campaign is an initiative of the district’s comprehensive safety and security plan called CUBES, which stands for clear Communication, clear Understanding, clear Book bags, clear Expectations and clear Supports. “We are launching the Let’s Be Clear campaign in light of the many school shootings throughout the country, recent incidents of weapons on our campuses and Governor Parson’s School Safety Taskforce Initiative,” said Davis.

A major component of the campaign provides each student in grades six through 12 receiving a complimentary clear book bag. “Secondary students will only be permitted to use clear book bags starting with the first day of school on Aug. 15,” said Davis. The clear book bag comes with a small opaque zippered pouch to allow students to conceal personal items and valuables. “We have heard the safety concerns from our community and the call for greater safety and security measures to protect our students and staff. In addition, the Board met this summer with members of law enforcement to gain insight from their expertise regarding school safety,” said Leslie Hogshead, president of the Board of Education. “We’re looking forward to a great year where our students are learning in a safe environment.”

In addition to the Let’s Be Clear campaign, the district’s comprehensive security plan, CUBES, also allows for additional school resource officers (SROs) in secondary schools and security officers in all elementary schools. Previously, elementary schools did not have   security officers.  “The officers will focus on building relationships and educating our students about safety, the students’ role as citizens, and how to communicate and collaborate to have safe schools,” said Davis. “The heart of this initiative is to build relationships and bridge gaps so that all of our students will grow to become lifelong contributors to the success of the societies in which they work and live.” The CUBES security plan also includes a revised Student Expectation Code with a more restorative approach, and additional social-emotional and behavioral supports, as well as, a commitment to keeping open lines of communication with students, parents and staff. “We are excited about the start of the new school year, a we want all of our children safe; and, let’s be clear – we expect no weapons in our schools!” Davis concluded.

Caption: Joseph Davis, superintendent of the Ferguson-Florissant School District shares details of the districts comprehensive safety and security plan which includes clear book bags for students in grades six through 12.

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