In 2021, the Community Students Learning Center (CSLC) was awarded a $945K STOP Grant through the Bureau of Justice Assistance to enhance the safety and security of K-12 schools in the Mississippi Delta. The STOP Program aims to provide students, teachers, and staff with the tools necessary to recognize, respond to, and prevent acts of violence, ensuring a positive school climate. The initiative has significantly improved the lives of Holmes County students, staff, and stakeholders.
Addressing the Challenge: Mississippi Delta’s Struggles
Beyond its great legacy of cotton and blues, poverty and the following adverse effects frequently tarnish the Mississippi Delta. Numerous issues confront this area: high criminal activity rates, subpar educational performance, and scarce resources. CSLC developed a thorough proposal for school safety in response, and it utilized the STOP Grant to establish the TIME: Transforming and Investing in Mississippian Education initiative.
Transforming Lives through the STOP-TIME Grant
The STOP-TIME Grant has led to substantial positive changes across multiple facets of the school and community environment:
Enhanced Training for Law Enforcement and School Staff:
• Over 200 law officers and youth-serving professionals have been trained in crisis intervention, de-escalation techniques, and emergency response protocols.
School staff, including teachers and administrative personnel, received training to recognize early warning signs of violence, such as aggressive behavior, threats, or social isolation, and implement preventive measures. Empowering Students:
• Students were equipped with the knowledge and skills to identify and report potential threats, fostering a sense of responsibility and vigilance.
• Through interactive workshops and seminars, students learned conflict resolution, stress management, and peer support techniques, contributing to a safer and more supportive school environment.
Stakeholder and Community Involvement:
• Engaging stakeholders, including parents, community leaders, and local organizations, has been crucial in creating a holistic approach to school safety.
• Regular community meetings and forums were held to discuss progress, gather feedback, and ensure transparency in the implementation of safety measures.
Positive School Climate:
• Implementing programs like Positive Action and Mind Matters, integrated into the STOP-TIME initiative, has promoted social-emotional learning and mental health awareness among students.
• Schools have reported a decrease in incidents of violence and bullying, as well as improved student behavior and academic performance.
A Collaborative Effort for a Safer Future
CSLC’s partnership with the Department of Justice and the Holmes County School District has been instrumental in the success of the STOP-TIME program. This collaborative effort has enhanced school security and fostered a supportive and positive environment for students, staff, and the broader community.
By addressing the root causes of violence and providing comprehensive training and resources, the STOP-TIME Grant has made a lasting impact on the lives of those in the Mississippi Delta. The Community Students Learning Center remains committed to building on this foundation and continuing to invest in the education and well-being of Mississippians.