(FRANKFORT, Ky.) – Commissioner of Education Stephen Pruitt has signed a proclamation declaring that Oct. 15-21 is Safe Schools Week in Kentucky.

“Excellence in education is dependent on safe, secure and peaceful school settings,” Pruitt said. “Yet, too often we hear about students whose education is jeopardized by crime or violence, such as substance abuse, gangs, bullying, poor discipline, vandalism and absenteeism. This puts not only their education and well-being at risk, but also the well-being of teachers and staff.”

Safe Schools Week is designed to raise public awareness and improve the safety of our schools by educating students, staff and community members about bullying prevention, conflict resolution and relationship building.

“As Kentuckians, we all must focus attention on school safety not only during Safe Schools Week, but year-round, and work to identify, develop and promote answers that will result in all of our state’s schools being safe places to learn, teach and work,” Pruitt said.

This year’s School Safety Week theme, “Get Involved and Get it Solved, Stop the Bullying!,” encourages students, parents or community members, to come up with innovative answers to promote safe and secure learning climates.

Everyone is encouraged to take the “Get Involved” Pledge Against Bullying in order to raise awareness about the need for safe schools.

The Kentucky Center for School Safety (KCSS) website includes a variety of teaching aids on bullying prevention and school safety including PowerPoint presentations, lessons, interactive websites and much more. Resources also are available for school administrators, parents and the community.