Attorney General Steve Marshall presents “Safe School Award” to Discovery Middle School
MADISON – Alabama Attorney General Steve Marshall visited Discovery Middle School Thursday to present it with a state “Safe Schools Award.”
Discovery was recognized for building a culture for school safety by embracing technology, mentoring programs and other methods.
“The Attorney General’s Office is proud that Discovery Middle School was selected as one of the winning schools,” Marshall said. “In making this decision, judges noted many things that distinguished Discovery Middle School: strong training and documentation, excellent school resource officer, great collaboration with emergency responders, strong use of technology and outstanding mentoring initiatives.”
A panel of judges reviewed submissions from 124 schools and chose the top scoring school for the eight state school districts. Discovery received the honor for District 8 encompassing the northern part of the state. Judging was on preparation and training, SRO programs, collaboration with local emergency response agencies, technology, mentoring and law-related education such as cyberspace, bullying and drug avoidance.
“The safety of our schoolchildren is a vital matter foremost in all of our minds and hearts, and this year we enhanced the Alabama Safe Schools Initiative Awards to encourage and honor more of those who have implemented strong programs to protect our students, teachers and other staff,” said Attorney General Marshall. “These schools have developed innovative programs and taken practical, effective steps to combat the threat of violence that has become a terrible part of our modern society. Their dedication and resolve to provide a safe haven for learning is an inspiration to us all.”
During the program Thursday before a packed gymnasium of students. Discovery SRO Sam Scott got the biggest ovation of all. That gesture underscores the school district’s and police department’s view of how trust and mentoring relationships with students is so important to school safety.
“Safety is our number one priority and responsibility. We are humbled and honored to receive the Safe Schools Initiative Award,” said Discovery principal Kim Stewart. “It validates our commitment to ensure that our school is a safe place for students to learn and achieve.”
In addition, Rainbow was one of only 11 schools across the North Alabama region winning the Certificate of Building a Culture for School Safety.
Discovery Principal Kim Stewart and Rainbow Principal Brian Givens were on hand to accept the attorney general’s award. In his remarks, Marshall commended teachers and staff for their acceptance of drills, mentoring programs, technology tools etc. used in school safety in addition to all their other responsibilities.
“Each day that parents leave their children at school, they are entrusting what they hold most precious into the care of school teachers, principals and other staff, Marshall said. “These schools have developed innovative programs and taken practical, effective steps to combat the threat of violence that has become a terrible part of our modern society. Their dedication and resolve to provide a safe haven for learning is an inspiration to us all.”
