Creating a Culture of Safety Through Student Engagement: Lessons for National Safe Schools Week
Every October, schools across the country pause to recognize National Safe Schools Week—a reminder that safety is not just about procedures and policies, but about people. At the heart of creating truly safe learning environments is student engagement. When students are actively involved, they become partners in building a culture of trust, awareness, and shared responsibility.
We believe lasting safety starts when students themselves feel empowered to be active participants in the process. When they are engaged, they not only support safer environments in the moment, but also help shape a culture of security that lasts for years.
Why Student Engagement Matters in School Safety
School safety has traditionally been viewed as the responsibility of administrators, teachers, and law enforcement. But today, we know that students play an essential role. They are often the first to notice changes in peer behavior, the first to spot concerning activity on social media, and the ones most affected by safety policies.
When students are engaged in safety practices, they become partners instead of passive participants. They help reinforce protocols, support accountability among their peers, and build trust across the school community. In short, engagement transforms safety from a checklist into a culture.
Practical Ways to Engage Students
Districts across Texas and beyond are finding creative ways to involve students in meaningful safety practices. Some proven strategies include:
Student Safety Committees: Invite students to join leadership teams that review safety plans and give feedback on drills.
Active Participation in Drills: Go beyond routine exercises—ask students what worked, what felt confusing, and how drills can be improved.
Anonymous Reporting Tools: Encourage students to use platforms where they can safely share concerns without fear of retaliation.
Peer-to-Peer Programs: Train students as safety ambassadors who help communicate protocols to classmates.
Elementary Safety Week Toolkit: Utilize the FiveStones Safety Safety Week Toolkit linked below.
These initiatives not only strengthen safety but also build student confidence and ownership.
Leadership Perspective
Few understand this better than Ty Morrow, Executive Chief of Emergency Management & Executive Chief of Safety/Security at Brazosport ISD and Texas School Safety Center School Safety Spotlight Award Winner:
“Student engagement is the heartbeat of a true safety culture. When students feel empowered to participate, they’re not just safer in the moment—they’re partners in shaping a secure future for their school community.”
Districts like Brazosport ISD demonstrate that leadership and student voice can—and should—work hand in hand.
Ready to Engage Your Students in School Safety Week?
This National Safe Schools Week (October 20–26, 2025), help your youngest students become confident and caring members of a safe school community.
Elementary-aged children benefit from extra reinforcement as they learn what safety looks like—both in the classroom and beyond. That’s why FiveStones Safety created a free, ready-to-use Elementary Safety Week Toolkit filled with fun and meaningful activities designed especially for early learners.
What’s Inside: A Week of Themes, Activities, & Resources for Educators
Each day focuses on a key aspect of school safety, featuring a central theme, a “Word of the Day,” and engaging classroom activities, resources, and worksheets to help reinforce safety practices across your campus.
Day 1: Emergency Responders
Day 2: Physical Security & Emergency Preparedness
Day 3: Transportation Safety
Day 4: Cybersecurity & Digital Citizenship
Day 5: Bullying Prevention & Positive Relationships
Together, we can create a culture of safety through engagement—where every student feels informed, empowered, and supported.
At FiveStones Safety, we’re proud to work alongside districts across Texas, Oklahoma, Arkansas, and Louisianna to implement solutions that foster both preparedness and engagement. Together with CENTEGIX, we provide SPAT, training, and ongoing support to help schools build safer, more connected communities. Contact us today for a demo.
