National Heritage Academies Promote Safety During Safe Schools Week Activities

Celebrating Safe Schools Week with Fun and Engaging Activities

From October 19 to 25, schools across the United States observed Safe Schools Week, a time dedicated to promoting safety and well-being in learning environments. This year, National Heritage Academies® (NHA) paired up with its partner schools to engage students in a series of innovative safety drills, informative sessions with local first responders, and a variety of exciting school-wide initiatives.

At the forefront of these activities was Brian Gard, NHA's Director of Safety and Health, who emphasized the organization's strong commitment to safety as a foundational aspect of its identity. Serving not just as an advocate but also as a member of the Partner Alliance for Safer Schools (PASS), Gard collaborates with safety professionals nationwide to maintain NHA's position as a leader in school safety. He expressed sincere appreciation for the continuous efforts of safety specialists at each school in making Safe Schools Week an impactful experience for students.

"At NHA, safety is not just a priority; it's one of our core values," Gard stated. "We love to see our schools actively showcasing their commitment to a safe educational environment. Engaging students, whether through learning about fire safety in kindergarten or creating digital safety posters in middle school, embodies our vision for safety."

Across the 103 schools within NHA's network in nine states, celebrations took various forms. For instance, at the Pathway School of Discovery in Dayton, Ohio, students eagerly participated in the Safety Olympics — a competitive yet fun event where each homeroom class earned points for demonstrating safety practices, correctly answering trivia questions related to safety, and excelling in a safety poster contest. This not only incentivized students but also reinforced essential safety practices. At the week's conclusion, the winning class secured a party and maintained possession of the Safety Bobcat plush toy throughout the year.

In Greensboro, North Carolina, Gate City Charter Academy introduced themed days aligned with popular educational shows, such as The Magic School Bus. The week included spirit days where students learned about fire safety, healthy habits, and weather safety, all while enjoying the creativity the themes encouraged. The engaging format of these lessons helps ensure that safety teachings resonate within the minds of students, embedding these vital lessons into their memory.

Mill Creek Academy in Waukesha, Wisconsin, took a unified approach by inviting students and staff to sign a safety pledge displayed prominently on a banner. This collective participation within the school fostered a sense of community responsibility for safety, allowing classrooms to focus on what they do best: learning.

When students experience safety protocols in action, they understand the various components required to ensure security, making the learning journey not only educational but transformative. Through these hands-on activities, alongside Gard's insights and expertise, NHA schools inspired students to internalize safety practices and advocate for their communities.

About National Heritage Academies

National Heritage Academies® (NHA) is a renowned network of 103 tuition-free public charter schools that accommodates over 68,000 students from kindergarten through 12th grade across nine states. For more details, please visit nhaschools.com. Use the NHA school finder to locate a nearby charter school today.