ACSA has compiled a growing library of resources on responding to school crises, from natural disasters to the aftermath violence on campus and suicide prevention and response.
Do you know of a resource for school administrators on this topic? If your district has toolkits, sample communications or emergency plans that you feel would benefit others, we would be glad to include it. Find out how to submit content.
Resources and Fundraising for Southern California Wildfire Assistance
ACSA has compiled resources to assist our school communities in the Los Angeles area during the January 2025 wildfire events…
Creating Comprehensive Safety & Emergency Response Plans for Schools
This resource is provided by ACSA Partner4Purpose Navigate360. Creating a safe learning environment is one of the most critical responsibilities…
Combating Social Media Threat Hoaxes: A Unified Approach
By Oscar Macias In recent weeks, school communities throughout the country have been shaken by a disturbing trend: a rash…
The NASSP Principal Recovery Network Guide to Recovery
Founded in April 2019, the NASSP Principal Recovery Network (PRN) is a national network of current and former school leaders…
Preparing for Floods at K-12 Schools and School Districts
This resource from the Readiness and Emergency Management for Schools (REMS) Technical Assistance Center contains a step-by-step guide to incorporating…
After a Suicide: A Toolkit for Schools
If your school has lost someone to suicide, After a Suicide: A Toolkit for Schools offers best practices and practical…
Guidelines for Schools Responding to a Death by Suicide
These guidelines from the National Center for School Crisis and Bereavement are designed to help school administrators, teachers, and crisis…
Template Letter in Response to Nashville Tragedy
This letter contains templates for communications to parents and staff about the Nashville tragedy on March 27, 2023. Download the…
Disaster Recovery Resources from California County Superintendents
California County Superintendents’ Technology Services Committee has shared resources designed to help K-12 education technology departments create and implement a…
Trauma-Informed Approaches to Support Cold Spring School
Dr. Amy Alzina, Superintendent/Principal of Cold Spring School District, shares tips for supporting students and staff during emergencies and natural…
Dealing with Emergencies from Natural Disasters: Cold Spring School District
Dr. Amy Alzina, Superintendent/Principal of Cold Spring School District, and Chief Business Officer/Legal Counsel Yuri Calderon, have compiled a presentation…
Combatting Fentanyl with Actions and Resources (CDE)
The growing number of fentanyl overdoses is indeed a crisis among our youth, and State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony…
Four Things to Look For in an ELO-P Partner
This resource is provided by ACSA Partner4Purpose Right At School. It was written by Brian LeTendre, Director of Content Strategy…
Fentanyl Crisis Among California’s Youth (Sept. 28 Webinar)
California Department of Public Health and Safe Schools for All hosted the Fentanyl Crisis Among CA Youth Webinar on Sept…
How Administrators and Counselors Can Work Together
How do we educate administrators and district officials to understand the role/practice of the school counselor to ensure they are…
Emergency Planning Rubric for Schools – Kern County
The Emergency Planning Rubric for Schools is a tool to help Kern County school administrators and their teams prepare for…
Talking to Children About Violence: Tips for Parents and Teachers
High profile acts of violence, particularly in schools, can confuse and frighten children who may feel in danger or worry…
Addressing the Youth Mental Health Crisis
This resource is provided by ACSA Partner4Purpose Navigate360. The COVID-19 pandemic has reshaped society as we know it. Besides the…
U.S. Surgeon General Issues Advisory on Youth Mental Health Crisis
U.S. Surgeon General Dr. Vivek Murthy issued a new Surgeon General’s Advisory to highlight the urgent need to address the…
Maintaining Staff Morale During a Time of Crisis
Tips from the ACSA Member Assistance & Legal Support Team On October 27, 2021, our team posted an article on…
Pioneer-leaders Needed to Explore New Terrain for Education
This column by ACSA President Ron Williams originally appeared in the May 31, 2021 edition of EdCal. The year was…
Webinar: Leading for Change in the Midst of Crisis
Effective leadership amidst a pandemic is new to everyone. Watch three experienced Superintendents in a conversation about how to…
ACSA Mental Wellness Toolkit
Toolkit Contents: The Work of the Mental Wellness Task Force Mental Wellness Policy Recommendations Resources for Educators Student academic success…
Suicide on Campus: How Schools Are Dealing With the Crisis
This article was provided to ACSA by Gail Marshall It’s never too soon to plan for the unthinkable. No one…
School Crisis Toolkit – After an Incident
Last updated 9/5/24 1. Continue crisis communications with all stakeholders In the aftermath of an incident, communication is critically important…
School Crisis Toolkit – During an Incident
Last updated 9/5/24 1. Call a lockdown Immediately call a lockdown and follow the same process used in your drills…
School Crisis Toolkit – Before an Incident
Last updated 9/5/24 1. Use an anonymous reporting system or tip line All districts should establish reporting systems to be…
ACSA School Crisis Toolkit – Introduction
The first priority of educators nationwide is to provide a healthy and safe school environment for all students and staff…
Bullying and Youth Suicide: What Schools Need to Know – and Do
School administrators should recognize that students involved in bullying are at risk for suicide. Schools must take any reporting of…
A Crisis at Hyperspeed Through the Eyes of a Superintendent
Bullet holes and broken glass. They are shocking examples of tragedy and triumph in Tehama County. “During a crisis, you’re…
Ensuring Students Feel Safe at School
A report on safeness before and after the Marjory Stoneman Douglas High Parkland shooting By Sarah Bernardy and Regula Schmid,…
Human Resource Message Board for Fire Recovery
Note: The information here is not intended as legal advice. Information that contributors add are subject to editing.
Take Charge and Be Ready for the Next Earthquake
This resource is provided by ACSA Partner4Purpose Keenan. Deadly earthquakes in Japan and Guatemala remind us we live on a…
5 Strategy Fields to Improve Student Safety on Campus
The following content was a message from Steve Betando, superintendent of Morgan Hill Unified School District. No words can comfort…
Trauma and Teacher Practice: Actions That Heal
Clinical support can be critical to healing trauma in children who attend our schools, but educators actually have an equally…
Shooting in the Dark: Developing K-12 Gun Policy
There are a number of variables that must be considered in coming to a sound policy decision on school weapons…
4 Ways to Re-Energize Your Community Engagement Strategy
Is your district maximizing its investment in its relationships with parents, local businesses, and leaders? If you can’t think of…
Facing Anti-Semitism in California Schools
In the first three months of 2017, the national Anti-Defamation League reported an 86% increase in the number of anti-Semitic incidents in…
Trauma Series Part 3: The Compton Case
Adapted from information presented at the 2017 ACSA Every Child Counts Symposium by Amy R. Levine, Sarah Sutherland, and Rose Tagnesi, Grossmont…
Trauma Series Part 2: IDEA Eligibility
Adapted from information presented at the 2017 ACSA Every Child Counts Symposium by Amy R. Levine, Sarah Sutherland, and Rose Tagnesi, Grossmont…
Trauma Series Part 1: What is Trauma?
Adapted from information presented at the 2017 ACSA Every Child Counts Symposium by Amy R. Levine, Sarah Sutherland, and Rose Tagnesi, Grossmont…