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Alvin ISD details expanded safety and wellness strategies, from RFID IDs to weapons screening
Summary
District leaders described a safety plan that includes issuing RFID student ID cards with StopFinder bus tracking, an expanded weapons detection program in partnership with the Texas State Protection Agency and Alvin ISD PD, restorative responses and programs for vaping/THC incidents, canine searches and counselor‑led mental‑health supports.
Alvin ISD staff presented a district strategic goal overview on safety, care and wellness at the Oct. 20 board meeting, outlining a mix of technology, prevention and counseling strategies intended to keep students safe while addressing mental‑health needs.
Director of Student Administrative Services Lakeisha Holloway described two primary strategies: 4.1, which focuses on physical safety measures, and 4.2, which addresses mental‑health and whole‑child supports. Holloway announced that the district is in year three of issuing RFID student IDs districtwide; the cards integrate with the StopFinder mobile app so parents can track bus rides and monitor student movement.
Safety measures highlighted include an expanded weapons‑detection program operated with support from the Texas State Protection Agency and Alvin ISD Police Department; detection machines have been used at large events (football games, graduations). The district also cited increased visible police presence, threat‑assessment and wellness checks as ongoing practices.
On substance‑use prevention, Helen Shoemake described restorative and educational responses: students found with e‑cigarettes are assigned ISS and complete the Texas e‑cigarette and tobacco awareness program (ETAP); students with THC vapes are placed at the district’s alternative campus (ADAPT) to complete MD Anderson’s Aspire program. The district also conducts random canine searches (Interquest) and random student drug testing through Pinnacle Medical Management.
Amber Dixon, counseling coordinator, explained counseling and social‑emotional learning efforts, including grief/trauma‑informed training for staff, use of the CharacterStrong SEL curriculum, and campus counselor initiatives that include family trainings and newsletters. Holloway announced parental/community trainings such as CRASE (Civilian Response to Active Shooter Events) and a Go Safe gun‑storage education program that distributes free gun locks in partnership with a Houston gun‑safety program.
Trustees asked operational questions about program participation, repeat incidents, and parent engagement. Staff said they track ADAPT placements and recidivism, provide resources and external referrals to families, and will continue to post resources on the district guidance and counseling webpage.
