This week's safe schools snippets

Despite concerns, school board passes amendments to bullying policies

The Thompson School District Board of Education is torn on how to handle aggressive behavior within the schools. Read more in the Coloradoan.

U.S. Department of Education to study state bullying laws

In an effort to find what does and does not work when it comes to combating bullying in schools, the U.S. Department of Education is in the process of setting up a study on state bullying laws. Read more in School Transportation News.

Local schools tuned into new emergency radio law

Officials from local school districts say they’re ahead of the curve when it comes to new state legislation that encourages schools to be on the same radio frequency as emergency responders. Read more in the Aurora Sentinel.

After a Suicide: A Toolkit for Schools (2011)

The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration’s Suicide Prevention Research Center has released, “After a Suicide: A Toolkit for Schools.” The toolkit describes common warning signs and causes of suicide, provides best practices on suicide prevention in schools, and provides information about how a school should respond when a suicide has occurred. Topics include crisis response, helping students cope, working with the community, social media, bringing in outside help, and more. Download the toolkit at http://www.sprc.org/library/AfteraSuicideToolkitforSchools.pdf

Former DPS teacher faces child pornography charges

MILLIKEN, Colo. (CBS4) – A former Denver Public Schools middle school teacher is facing child pornography charges. Learn more at CBS4.

Judge: Aurora DARE officer should stand trial

A judge ruled Tuesday there is enough evidence for an Aurora DARE officer to stand trial on charges he forced a 15-year-old runaway to take sexually explicit photos of herself, according to court records. Read more in the Aurora Sentinel.

About our First Person series:

First Person is where Chalkbeat features personal essays by educators, students, parents, and others trying to improve public education. Read our submission guidelines here.