Safe and Supportive Schools Program (SSSP)

Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS) is an evidence-based three-tiered framework to improve and integrate all of the data, systems, and practices affecting student outcomes every day.

PBIS TIer 1 practices and systems establish a foundation of regular, proactive support while preventing unwanted behaviors. We provide universal supports to all students school-wide.

PBIS Tier 2 practices and systems support students who are at risk for developing more serious problem behaviors before those behaviors start. These supports help students develop the skills they need to benefit from core programs.

PBIS Tier 3 provides students more intensive, individualized support to improve their behavioral and academic outcomes. At this level, we may rely on formal assessments to determine a student's need.

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For the 2024-2025 school year, Sweet Home will implement PBIS specifically at the Tier 1 level. Our PBIS leadership team met over the summer to outline procedures for establishing schoolwide and classroom expectations. To support students as they learn, practice, and follow these expectations, students can receive rewards through our PBIS Reward system. 

The SSSP team is responsible for collecting and analyzing harmful, threatening, and violent behavior; assessing threat and risk levels; and determining appropriate interventions. The Texas Education Code lists the following as "harmful, threatening, or violent" behaviors:

• Verbal threats
• Threats of self-harm
• Bullying
• Cyberbullying
• Fighting
• Use or possession of a weapon
• Sexual assault
• Sexual harassment
• Dating violence
• Stalking
• Assault.

When an individual or situation is brought to their attention, the SSSP team reviews the reported or observed behavior, investigates to determine whether it poses a threat, and decides what resources the individual might benefit from. Resources are identified for the person of concern and any targets or victims. 

The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) protects the privacy of student records. FERPA authorizes school officials to disclose information, without consent, in emergency situations where the health or safety of students is at-risk. Relevant information can be released to law enforcement, public health, and medical officials.

HOW DOES MY CHILD REPORT BEHAVIORS?

Students and parents have access to our anonymous reporting tool located at the top right of our website - Anonymous Alerts. Once completed, this alert is immediately sent to a selection of district staff to be acted upon.

WILL I BE NOTIFIED IF MY CHILD IS THE SUBJECT OF A SCHOOL BEHAVIORAL THREAT ASSESSMENT?

Before the SSSP team conducts a school behavioral threat assessment, the team must make a reasonable attempt to notify the parent or guardian. The district is required to provide an opportunity for the parent or guardian to provide information. This opportunity is met through the act of the parent or guardian being interviewed by the threat assessment team during the threat assessment process. 

IF MY CHILD IS THE SUBJECT OF A SCHOOL BEHAVIORAL THREAT ASSESSMENT, WHAT HAPPENS TO THE INFORMATION?

Any materials and information collected during a threat assessment must be maintained in the student’s school record until their 24th birthday.

If your child moves to a new school district, the previous school district is responsible for sharing the child's disciplinary record and any threat assessments related to their behavior with the new school district. When enrolling your child in a public school or open-enrollment charter school, the parent or guardian is responsible for providing the school the following information:

• The child’s birth certificate or any other document that is proof of my child’s identity
• A copy of the child’s disciplinary record from the school most recently attended
• A copy of any threat assessment involving the child’s behavior from the previous school.