THE SAFE SCHOOLS CONFERENCE JULY 13, 14, AND 15, 2022
in ANAHEIM/GARDEN GROVE, CA
The 13th Annual Safe Schools Conference took place July 13-15th at the Delta Hotels by Marriott in Anaheim/Garden Grove. Event Staff Member Qb Keju joined Dr. Thompson at our NPIEN table. Over 400 school officials, plus social workers, counselors and mental health professionals and law enforcement participated in the event. Marie Thompson worked at the Registration Desk and Ele Thompson provided support. In addition to NPIEN brochures, Miniature Golf flyers and “We Can Do This” pandemic flyers, we distributed fresh plumeria and plaedy ukulele music and also were the entertainment at the receptions on Wednesday and Thursday evening. Dr. Thompson was interviewed on Spanish-language TV, Telemundo, ABC 7 and NBC 4. We heard many great presenters and speakers discuss what we can do to keep our schools safe.
FORGIVENESS BRINGS PEACE
The Safe Schools Conference featured speakers on many topics that address school safety, including Mental Health, Bullying, Social Media threats, Gang awareness, Disaster Preparedness, Drugs, and many more. The Thursday General Session featured speaker Azim Khamisa, President of the Tariq Khamisa Foundation. Tariq was his 20-year-old son who was killed by a 14 year old gang member, Tony Hicks. Azim believed there were "victims at both ends of the gun," and decided to forgive Tony. He asked Tony's grandfather Ples Felix who raised Tony, to accompany him and tell their story. Fifteen years later, Azim and his daughter Tasreen advocated for Tony's release with the court and he was released at age 29. Tony also works with Azim and tells his story, to promote nonviolence and peacebuilding. Azim said that forgiveness brings purpose, freedom, and peace. In the above picture, Tony is in the middle, Ples is wearing a hat, Azim is on the right, Tasreen in the middle.
As schools and school communities we must ensure that students can attend school and feel safe. With the pandemic, this means safe from the spread of the COVID-19 virus plus other types of viruses. School Safety also means a Safe School environment where students can learn without fears of bullying or violence.
The Campus Safety Group is an NPIEN partner that can support you in developing a Comprehensive School Safety Plan. Visit their website for further information. NPIEN assisted in the publication of the California Department of Education’s Educator’s Guide to Comprehensive School Safety Plans, 2021 Edition.
Contact Jessica Ayala, Division Secretary, Los Angeles COE by email at