Safety and Security
At Ballinger ISD, the safety of students, staff and visitors is one of our top goals and we take this responsibility very seriously. Our safety and security programs address prevention, intervention, student assistance, preparedness, emergency response and building security.
Ballinger ISD follows recommendations from the Texas School Safety Center. The district has an Emergency Operations Plan and all campuses have a Campus Emergency Management Plan that is specific to their campus needs.
We rely on the support of our students, parents and the community to keep our schools safe and we work closely with our local police and fire departments to coordinate prevention and response activities, perform security audits and provide training to all employees on security issues.
Sexting Prevention Education Program
The Texas School Safety Center (TxSSC) has developed the following Sexting Prevention Educational Program for Texas in response to SB 407. This program may be used in part or in its entirety as an educational tool. There is also an accompanying test to demonstrate successful completion of this program. A certificate of successful completion is available for printing, upon answering 80% or more of the test questions correctly. The Sexting Prevention Educational Program places special emphasis on preventing sexting by minors to address the legal, social, emotional, educational and/or career impact.
Before You Text... - Sexting Prevention Educational Program
More resources for students and parents about the dangers of sexting can be found on the TxSSC wesbite.
Sexual Abuse
As a parent, it is important for you to be aware of warning signs that could indicate a child may have been or is being sexually abused. Sexual abuse in the Texas Family Code is defined as any sexual conduct harmful to a child's mental, emotional, or physical welfare as well as a failure to make a reasonable effort to prevent sexual conduct with a child. Anyone who suspects that a child has been or may be abused or neglected has a legal responsibility, under state law, for reporting the suspected abuse or neglect to law enforcement or to Child Protective Services (CPS).
Possible physical warning signs of sexual abuse could be difficulty sitting or walking, pain in the genital areas, and claims of stomachaches and headaches. Behavioral indicators may include verbal references or pretend games of sexual activity between adults and children, fear of being alone with adults of a particular gender, or sexually suggestive behavior. Emotional warning signs to be aware of include withdrawal, depression, sleeping and eating disorders, and problems in school.
A child who has experienced sexual abuse should be encouraged to seek out a trusted adult. Be aware as a parent or other trusted adult that disclosures of sexual abuse may be more indirect than disclosures of physical abuse, and it is important to be calm and comforting if your child, or another child, confides in you. Reassure the child that he or she did the right thing by telling you.
As a parent, if your child is a victim of sexual abuse, the campus counselor or principal will provide information regarding counseling options for you and your child available in your area. The Texas Department of Family and Protective Services (TDFPS) also manages early intervention counseling programs. To find out what services may be available in your county, see
http://www.dfps.state.tx.us/Prevention_and_Early_Intervention/Programs_Available_In_Your_County/default.asp.
The following Web sites might help you become more aware of child sexual abuse: