About National Safe Schools Week

From October 19-25, 2008, several organizations in the fields of education, violence prevention and school safety hosted Safe Schools Week events that focused on empowering youth to stop violence in their schools and communities.

Thank you to all the teachers and students who participated in these activities, and for their commitment to keep schools safe!

Nationwide Creative Expression Contest

In recognition of Safe Schools Week, students across the country participated in the SPEAK UP Creative Expression Contest to convey their thoughts about school violence.  We received many amazing essays, drawings, poems, posters and graphic designs, and eventually narrowed the selection to two top entries. Congratulations to Chris Amat, an 11th grade student at Sayreville War Memorial High School who submitted a poem titled “With Open Eyes I’ve Realized,” and EJ Bermudez, a 7th grade student at Westwood Jr./Sr. High School who submitted an essay titled “School Violence.” Both students will receive a new iPod touch and their schools will also receive the SPEAK UP School Safety Package, worth $2,500!  Click here to view their submissions and excerpts from other notable entries. 

Thank you to all the teachers and youth leaders who encouraged so many students to participate in the SPEAK UP Creative Expression Contest, and a special thanks to all the participating students who demonstrated such thoughtful responses to the issue of school violence.