The hershey violence prevention (HVP) project will impact the students, staff, and rural community of hershey, nebraska, (population 605) by improving the safety and security of hershey public schools…

The hershey violence prevention (HVP) project will impact the students, staff, and rural community of hershey, nebraska, (population 605) by improving the safety and security of hershey public schools (HPS) (enrollment of 550 students in grades PK-12, and a district of 350 square miles). The primary law enforcement agency responsible for HPS is the lincoln county sheriff's office (lcso) who is a strong supporter of HVP. Lcso is responsible for law enforcement services throughout lincoln countyan area of 2,564 square miles and a population of 34,914. Due to the distances lcso patrols, IT may take time before lcso can respond to a serious incident at HPS. The north platte police department is responsible for operating the lincoln county 911 center (LC911) and they also communicate directly with lcso and our local hershey volunteer fire department (hvfd). The purpose of HVP is to improve the safety and security of HPS students and staff. Many of HPS security technology and equipment is outdated or non- functioning. HVP will make the purchase of an updated campus-wide intercom system, phone system to include direct access to emergency dispatch, access control (key fobs) and video surveillance, and a panic alert/fire notification system. If selected for funding, these enhancements will become a reality and dramatically increase the safety capacities of HPS to safeguard hershey's most precious assetsits children. While the purchase of the technologies and equipment is important, HPS has developed a multi-tiered system of supports (mtss) which seeks to improve the learning environment by layering interventions that help a student(s) improve academically and behaviorally. HPS contracts with mcconnell psychological solutions (MPS) and DR. Luke mcconnell, a licensed adolescent child psychologist who works with staff and students on behavior and mental health needs. HPS staff have been trained in violence prevention strategies that are focused on DE-escalation of violent incidents and creating a positive learning environment. Educational service unit 16 (ESU 16) has been contracted by HPS to provide mtss coordination. HPS has also contracted with mcconnell physiological solutions (MPS). These entities provide facilitation services so HPS can create and maintain an effective response to behavioral health needs of students. MPS trains our staff, on violence prevention strategies and the DE-escalation techniques of violent incidents. HVP will reverse the poor safety and security conditions at HPS where security cameras are not functioning, staff cannot be alerted to security issues, some classrooms have non-functioning intercoms, electronic access control doesnt exist in areas, and an outdated fire alert/panic alarm system. Once completed, HVP will complement the positive learning environment at HPS through its mtss process and coordination with DR. Luke mcconnell, by identifying incidents and behaviors before law enforcement is called to respond and through the DE-escalation process. HVP will enhance the ability of lcso to monitor and investigate incidents occurring at HPS. Lcso and LC911 will have access to video and the building which may help IT to respond to and investigate incidents of violence or harmful behaviors. LC911 will have access to the camera system to locate specific areas of the school which may be threatened. Their ability to see this and communicate this to lcso will be vital in prompt notification and monitoring of the threat. With HVP, rural HPS will have greater safety and security for students, staff, and building.