Alexander High Students Plan Safety and Anti‑Bullying PSAs; Board Hears Survey Results on Micro‑incidents

Students from Alexander High School presented a pair of student‑led projects to the United ISD Board at a March 2025 workshop: a public‑service video on unconventional emergency drill scenarios and a distinct PSA on bullying that reflects student survey findings.

Student Maria Martinez, representing the Alexander student advisory, outlined the safety PSA’s objectives: to show students what to do during less‑practiced timings (passing periods, lunchtime and before/after school) and in mixed scenarios such as “double drills.” "The PSA video will describe what to do if students are in the cafeteria or in the hallways — where to hide if it is a lockdown or where to exit if it is a fire emergency," Martinez said. The students plan to film after spring break, following campus regulations and using a limited cast to control logistics.

The advisory also presented survey results on bullying and the students’ view that older, conventional anti‑bullying materials are insufficient for today’s technology‑driven micro‑interactions. Student presenters reported that more than 93% of surveyed peers felt bullying has changed since 20 years ago and that 57.7% said the school’s existing videos do not work. "We want to change the narrative ... and showcase student stories and testimonies," a student speaker said, adding the team would protect identities in testimonies.

Counseling and access: Board members and staff discussed mental‑health access. Trustees pressed for more clinical counselors on campuses; presenters and staff said current school counselors are often booked with scheduling and academic duties and that licensed professional counselors (LPCs) and university practicum partnerships could expand confidential access. A staff member suggested exploring practicum placements with Texas A&M International University psychology interns to increase on‑campus coverage.

Why it matters: Students emphasized both safety readiness and mental‑health support. Trustees and administrators noted the presentations could inform district training and counseling‑staffing priorities and said they would consider ways to sustain the projects and legacy efforts as seniors graduate.

What’s next: Students said the safety PSA will be filmed after spring break and the anti‑bullying PSA would follow; staff said they are supporting district‑wide dissemination where appropriate and will examine transportation or counseling partnerships to expand student support.