Promoting Student Safety at NNPS

Programs and activities designed to promote student safety in Newport News Public Schools include:

• Student-led groups that promote student safety and offer mediation in cases of potential conflict among their peers.
• Training for teachers and other staff to identify safety concerns and preempt negative behavior.
• Comprehensive Rights and Responsibilities Handbook that clearly spells out the behavior expectations for NNPS students. All students and parents/guardians are required to certify that they have reviewed the handbook. And school administrators review expectations for behavior and where to go for help if there’s a problem.
• NNPS Crime Line for students and others to report safety concerns in a confidential manner (757) 591-3800.
• Security officers assigned specifically to all middle and high schools.
• Security officers who monitor elementary schools on a rotating basis.
• Uniformed police officers at all high schools.
• Student Assistance Counselors at all high schools to help students deal with social and academic problems and other concerns.
• Cameras inside and outside all middle and high schools.
• Cameras on school buses.
• GPS tracking to enable NNPS to know where buses are at all times and monitor speed.

Instructional Programs

Specific programs to promote bullying prevention include:

Al’s Pals (grades 1-2-3) 
Al’s Pals is a scientifically researched program proven to assist in decreasing the number of classroom referrals for violent and bullying behaviors. Al’s Pals provides situations for children to practice making healthy choices, gives clear positive drug-free norms, and provides positive role models. It aids children in developing alternatives to bullying or negative behaviors by teaching and reinforcing social skills and positive communication. 

Life Skills Training (grades 4-9)
Life Skills Training is provided for students in the fourth through ninth grade and focuses on improving self-esteem, assisting students in making healthy choices and teaching ways to effectively deal with stress. The program also focuses on communication and social skills to reduce bullying behavior, decrease drug use, improve decision making skills.

Virginia Rules (high school) 
The Virginia Rules program was developed and adopted by the state and is designed to educate students on the legal system, their rights, and appropriate behavior as citizens of Virginia and our country. The course is taught by School Resource Officers/Prevention Specialist. 

Gangs in Virginia (elementary) 
The Gangs in Virginia program was developed by the Attorney General’s office and is designed to educate students on the legal system, their rights, and appropriate behavior as citizens of Virginia and our country. The course teaches elementary students gang recognition and prevention skills and decision making skills.