I am writing to share information about an innovative
new program that will be available to you for
use beginning this fall. It's called Team SAFE-T:
A California Partnership for Safety and Preparedness.
We live in a state where disasters are commonplace,
and we have a responsibility and duty to teach
our children the skills necessary to help themselves
and those around them when an emergency or natural
disaster strikes.
Team SAFE-T will help us teach these skills while
at the same time comply with state mandates.
As you are aware, California has implemented mandates
to teach such skills for earthquake and fires
throughout the state and for winter weather in
Northern California.
In collaboration with the California Department
of Education, Red Cross, California Professional
Firefighters, the Governor's Office of Emergency
Services, the California Service Corps and many
other important organizations, Team SAFE-T created
an age-appropriate program with integrated lesson
plans, discussion topics, activities and take-home
materials * all focused on delivering skills needed
to respond to difficult situations.
Team SAFE-T lesson plans and supporting materials
are available to California schools at no cost
at www.teamsafe-t.org. This website has been designed
for you to sign on, register and search for materials
needed for grades K-12.
Of special note, First Lady Maria Shriver has endorsed
Team SAFE-T, which is being hailed as a key education
component of the Be Smart. Be Responsible. Be
Prepared. Be Ready! campaign.
I urge you to take a look at this program and incorporate
it into your schools during School Safety Month,
particularly Team SAFE-T week*October 3-7.
With questions or for additional information contact
Team SAFE-T Program Director Margaret Bush-Ware
by phone at (310) 777-0092 or by e-mail at mbushware@teamsafe-t.org.
Team SAFE-T is an important and innovative program
that will empower our children and their families
by providing the knowledge and skills needed to
effectively respond in various emergency situations,
and it will provide our schools with the tools
to meet state mandates.
Please join Team SAFE-T, and pave the way to a
safer and more prepared California.
Sincerely,
Jack O'Connell
State Superintendent of Public Instruction
