Safe School Ambassadors

The Safe School Ambassadors (SSA) program empowers student leaders from the diverse groups on campus and equips them with non-violent communication and intervention skills to stop bullying and violence among their peers.

NBSIA has funded several three-year grants to schools, which include: two full days of training annually for 40 students and 10 adults, and a Training of the Trainers to equip school Program Advisors to continue the program self-sustained after the grant. At this time all grants have been distributed.

Participating Members and Schools Include:

  • Fairfield-Suisun Unified School District
    • Fairfield High School, now self-sustained
  • Napa Valley Unified School District
    • American Canyon Middle School, now self-sustained
  • St. Helena Unified School District
    • Robert L. Stevenson Middle School, now self-sustained

Testimonials

“Two years ago, we started Safe School Ambassadors following the death of a student by suicide. This was a traumatic event for our community and we wanted to respond to best support our students. Safe School Ambassadors has contributed to creating a safe learning environment and a set of strategies for our students to use to help themselves and their peers in a variety of situations. Some of the most powerful things we have experienced through Safe School Ambassadors have come from hearing students talk about their feelings that the meetings are personally helpful to them and how they have now become friends with students from different social groups on campus. There have been multiple occurrences since the training where an ambassador has come into our counseling office to refer a friend that they were concerned about.” –Brianna Kleinschmidt, Principal, Benicia High School

“…We have seen a significant drop in reports of bullying. Whereas we once were receiving almost daily complaints, we have only received two reports during the last four months. The Safe School Ambassador program…is the resource most frequently cited by staff and students as the primary reason why student conflicts have decreased so dramatically. We are very thankful for the Safe School Ambassador program. It has made a world of difference at Fairfield High School.” –Dr. Will Cushman, Assistant Principal, Fairfield High School

“Many of our students were sent to our school for academic, behavioral, emotional, and social issues. This program has helped many of our students realize their worth and become confident to stand up to aggressors and come forward as victims…The impact and feel on campus has definitely changed…the ambassadors have been using their learnings from the trainings and have been applying their skills to their daily lives. Some of the students have stood up for others and have used the ambassador’s path to make the school environment less toxic and more positive. One big change has been the communication between the staff and students. Many students are more aware of campus activity and are telling staff members about certain situations and hazards that could have been dangerous or harmful to the school.” – Dr. Jacqueline Kearns, Matt Garcia College and Career Academy

“It is clear to me that our Safe School Ambassadors have a much more vested interest in the overall climate of our school. I see the students who are Ambassadors as having a higher sense of purpose and confidence in themselves…We believe that by teaching students skills and empowering them to respond to others behavior, in a safe and appropriate manner, we will empower them to be stronger citizens as adults as well as create a positive, safe and welcoming school environment!” –Jennifer Buzolich, Principal, Hemlock Elementary School


 For More Information
Please contact Denise Schreiner at (707) 428-1830 or MemberServices@nbsia.org