Civil Municipal - Feb 2024

strides under Dr. Mosallam’s leadership. Integrating emotional well-being and physical safety is a critical component of their strategy. “Social, emotional learning and security go hand in hand,” he explains. Acknowledging the inseparability of a student’s sense of safety and learning ability, the district has undertaken substantial security enhancements. The upgrades are extensive and meticulously planned. “We’ve upgraded all of our automatic lock systems and developed a quicker mechanism for locking down doors in serious events,” Dr. Mosallam details. Additionally, the district employs a third- party security company staffed by current and former police officers and firefighters, adding expertise to their security measures. However,Dr.Mosallam emphasizes that infrastructure is only part of the equation.“To have a safe and secure environment, you must have a plan and education,” he says. This approach created a specialized role – a Student Services and Emergency Specialist. This individual coordinates with local law enforcement and homeland security to develop comprehensive emergency operation plans encompassing live drills, tabletop exercises, and staff training. EVOLVING TEACHING PHILOSOPHIES AND OPPORTUNITIES Dr. Mosallam then articulates the district’s teaching philosophy with clarity, emphasizing the holistic development of each student. “It’s about looking at a child from a 360-degree lens,” he explains. This approach, particularly evident in middle school, focuses on helping students understand the long- term impact of their choices in their personal and academic lives. A significant part of this educational strategy involves guiding students toward understanding their future possibilities. Dr.Mosallam details the use of ‘Navigate 360,’ a state-approved program during Covid, as a tool for this purpose. It’s a multifaceted program that emphasizes safety and helps students ponder their futures, including the impact of their digital footprints on social media. This initiative is part of a broader effort to make students and families aware of the lasting consequences of online activities, especially regarding future job and educational opportunities. As students progress to seventh and eighth grades, the district undertakes an “inventory analysis” with them, probing their aspirations and interests. “We encourage students to explore various fields, not just conventional careers,”Dr.Mosallam says, highlighting the importance of helping students find their true interests. This exploratory process in middle school 172 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 5, ISSUE 02