HCISD is continuously updating its comprehensive safety plan. This plan is made up of many layers that when combined with detailed protocols and procedures, work together to create a culture of safety within our schools. 

Security Fencing at All Campuses

• Designed and configured depending on campus layout.

• One of various security layers that reinforces the outer perimeters as well as directing visitor traffic to designated controlled access points to each campus.

Controlled Access Visitor Entry Points

• Campus visitor doors are equipped with Card Reader Access Control technology.

• Visitor video enabled call boxes assist in verifying authorized guests prior to entry.

Exterior and Interior Camera Surveillance Systems

• External cameras installed at all campuses for enhanced surveillance of exterior spaces.

• Security video recordings capture any activity during school hours as well as after-hours.

• Ongoing assessment to determine best placement, monitoring, and/or upgrades/replacements.

First Responder Key Access 

• Emergency access master keys to be supplied to local law enforcement

   

Safety Screening of All Visitors

• Software solution installed at all instructional campuses.

• Screening of all visitors against the Tx DPS Sex Offender Registry.

• Custom alerts can also be programmed as need by campus administrators.

Automatic Locking Doors 

• All campus classrooms have been equipped with self-locking doors.

• Case studies and research has found that the simple act of having a locked classroom door is a proven and effective measure to enhance safety for students and staff, in the event of an active threat.

Safe and Supportive Schools Program

• Behavioral Threat Assessment and Management provides an evidence-based approach toward identifying students or other individuals who pose a threat, intervening with appropriate resources, and ultimately improving the safety and well-being of the individual of concern and all concerned.

• HCISD has established Threat Assessment Teams to review and assess any identified threatening behavior to determine level of concern and any appropriate interventions.

• The key focus is early intervention as a coordinated effort involving a multi-disciplinary team approach; not only to identify threats, but to also provide needed mental health support for students in need of these resources.

Counseling Services Available Year-Round

• Crisis intervention and counseling services are provided by HCISD Counselors at all campuses.

• Summer mental health counseling services are also made available to all students.

• LPC services are available to students after hours.

Character Education Curriculum

• QuaverEd at elementary level

• Character Strong at secondary level

STOPit - Anonymous bullying and suspicious activity reporting app

• Anti-Bullying application allows students and community members to anonymously report safety or misconduct concerns to help others.

• Application also helps to connect the user with a Crisis Counselor for mental health support services.

Handle with Care Program - Trauma support system for children

• Is a collaboration between local law enforcement and HCISD to ensure that students exposed to adverse childhood experiences at home or outside of school setting receive trauma-informed supports services when they return to the educational environment.

Social workers available to all students

• Tropical Texas Behavioral Health

• Palms Behavioral Health

Standard Response Protocol (SRP) - Organized response to situations

• TxSSC recommended best practice safety protocol system for standardized campus response actions to emergency situations.

• SRP has been shared with local first responders in order to facilitate a comprehensive and coordinated emergency response plan.

Standard Reunification Method

• Account for everyone- teachers and staff confirm status and location of themselves and students.

• First responders and other authorized users know each student and staff condition and location during an emergency.

• Reunification – safely reunifying students with approved guardians.

Raptor Drill Manager System: Hold, Secure, Lockdown, Shelter, Evacuate, Fire Drill Trainings

School Resource Officers/ School Officers

• HCISD has adopted a blended approach to provide security and/or SRO presence at District campuses.

• All School Resource Officers and In-house security staff receive training specifically structured for the school-based environment.

• HCISD is continuing to assess overall program for any needed modifications or improvements.

Stop the Bleed/ Automated External Defibrillator (AEDs) Stations

• These emergency first aid systems have been installed at each HCISD campus.

• Training is provided to staff on a recurring annual basis.

Safety and Security Audits

• Mandated by State Statute

• Completed every 3 years

• Covers all educational and support facilities

• Partnership with Region One Consultant

Cameron County Emergency Management

• Regular meetings involving emergency management and first responders from Cameron County region.

Local First Responder Coordination Meetings

• Harlingen Police Department

• Primera Police Department

• Combes Police Department

• Harlingen Fire Department

Parent Guardian Notification System (Blackboard communications)

• SRP Activation Notifications

• Student and Curriculum Updates

HCISD Website

• “For Parents” webpage

• STOPit App

Campus radio system
District-wide employee training

For more questions or additional information please contact the HCISD Emergency Management & School Safety Department @ (956) 577-0166.