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Friend, 

No matter your political beliefs, this week has been challenging in our communities. Before you read any further, I want to ask you to join me in taking a slow deep breath. 

Today, we’re staying focused and committed to our mission: Making communities safer. To that end, we dig right in by thinking ahead to the holiday season.

As we look ahead to the busy weeks before Thanksgiving, our focus at Joffe remains clear: to ensure that every student and staff member is safe and feels safe. This commitment guides everything we do, especially during times of increased activity on campus.

Many of our schools host families on site in the weeks before Thanksgiving - whether for a meal, a first semester showcase, or fall festival. These events can often double, or even triple, the number of people on a campus as compared to a normal day. 

Hosting events outside of the normal school day requires preparation around key areas like visitor management, crowd control, and communication. Here are some key preparation tips to ensure you’re planning a successful and thorough outcome: 

• One crucial element is identifying an Incident Commander for each event – someone who is in charge and can respond quickly (or delegate others) to any issues. 
• Pre-event communication with attendees is equally important. Are they aware of key details like parking, check-in procedures, and safety protocols? Ensuring that families and staff know what to expect helps create a sense of security and order.
  • Pro tip: Do you have templates ready and a person responsible for writing communications if any are needed during your event.
• Determining the appropriate level of staffing is another critical step. Does your event have clear roles and responsibilities for school staff? Does it require additional security staffing? Armed security? What thresholds, laws, and norms do you have in place about security at events? This decision should be guided by the nature and size of the event, balancing safety needs with maintaining a welcoming atmosphere.

This month, I’m excited to share a school safety webinar with Cynthia, one of our School Based, Security Directors. She’ll share insights from her experience managing large-scale events, both at the Los Angeles Convention Center and at her current school, a co-located K-8 school and church in Southern California. Cynthia will provide practical advice on how to keep events safe without sacrificing the joy and connection they bring.

As we move into this busy season, let’s continue to prioritize safety while creating moments of joy for our communities. Here’s to a season of safe, successful celebrations!

In strength,

Chris Joffe

Founder and CEO 

Safety Spotlight: Events at Schools

A school operations leader recently asked, “What steps should we take when determining which vendors to bring in for upcoming school events?” To answer this, we consulted our Joffe Security Director, Cynthia Romero.

When selecting vendors for school events, prioritize safety and reliability. Begin by conducting thorough background checks on potential vendors, including verifying their safety records and compliance with regulations. Next, obtain references from other schools that have used their services, ensuring their reputation aligns with your safety standards and expectations. Overall, we want to ensure that anyone who comes into our community is a safe adult.

Additionally, building relationships with trusted vendors over time can enhance your selection process. Regularly engage with them to understand their safety policies, training practices, and emergency response plans. Ensure that all compliance requirements are clearly outlined in the vendor contract, including expectations for safety and accountability. One way that we ensure we dot all of our “i”’s and cross all of our “t”’s is utilizing a vendor checklist, this month’s Simple School Solutions.

By prioritizing safety and fostering relationships with dependable vendors, you can create a secure and successful environment for your school events.

November 12th Webinar: Join us at 9 am PST on November 12th as we welcome special guest, Cynthia Romero, a Joffe School Security Director, as she shares best practices when planning events in schools. Due to Veteran’s Day, this webinar will be held on the second Tuesday of the month. 

Add our webinars to your calendar:

Upcoming Webinars:

• December 9
• January 13 
• February 10
• March 10
• April 14
• May 12
• June 9

Planning to attend or have questions about any of the events? Let us know!

Resources

After-School Event Planning Blog Post: Planning school events can be exciting, yet it's crucial to prioritize safety and preparedness. This month’s blog helps you  equip yourself with the knowledge and resources necessary for managing any unforeseen circumstances effectively.

How to Run a Debrief Course: Learn how to effectively run a debrief, which is crucial after any event—whether it goes smoothly or encounters challenges. Debriefs allow you to identify successful strategies worth repeating and highlight problematic areas that need improvement for future events.

Follow us on social media!

We regularly post updates, blog posts, and share resources specifically designed to support school health and safety.

X: @JoffeChris & @Joffeemergency

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