Programs

This information is part of the State of Tennessee Health and Safety Website. Listed below are a brief description of each program that can assist our students, parents, and staff within the RCS Family. This link will take you to their website- State of Tennessee- Dept of Health and Safety

Character Education:  The Character Education Initiative implemented in all Rutherford County schools helps to develop a safe and nurturing school climate which provides an educational environment that encourages and enables each student to develop to his/her potential.  Training and support is provided to schools in their efforts to implement and sustain a school-wide character education program.  Additionally, schools collect data in a year-end report regarding the effectiveness of their individualized character education program.

Safe Schools Committees – Each school has a team of 4-6 members which create and facilitate implementation of various initiatives that promote a healthy school climate.  These committees address issues that are unique to their school population and along with all staff members, work to encourage an atmosphere of respect and caring for all students and stakeholders.

Jason Foundation – All certified staff members working for Rutherford County Schools are required to complete 2 hours of training each year through the Jason Foundation.  This suicide prevention teacher awareness training provides the knowledge and resources necessary to help identify and provide support for at-risk youth.

Tennessee Schools: PREPARE – This program prepares schools to offer students, staff and parents immediate and effective assistance in the aftermath of a school crises.  The goal of PREPARE is to mitigate the long-term emotional suffering of survivors and restore a supportive and productive learning environment.  School personnel are trained in creating realistic, useful and accessible crises response plans.

Protecting You, Protecting Me:  This curriculum is recognized by the state department of education as an effective resource for alcohol and drug education for elementary students.  School counselors are utilizing this curriculum throughout their counseling programs. 

LifeSkills Training:  This curriculum is recognized by the state department of education as an effective resource for violence prevention and alcohol and drug education for upper elementary and middle school students.  School counselors are utilizing this curriculum throughout their counseling programs. 

No Bullying:  This curriculum is recognized by the state department of education as an effective resource for bullying and violence prevention education for elementary students.  School counselors are utilizing this curriculum throughout their counseling programs. 

STARS: (Students Taking a Right Stand):  STARS, a national, not-for-profit organization is dedicated to helping students make healthy lifestyle choices and refrain from the use of alcohol, other drugs and violence.  The STARS program also addresses the many other adolescent and teenage personal and social issues that affect students today.  STARS specialists serve several middle and high schools in Rutherford County Schools.  Students can refer themselves to the STARS Program or can be referred by a parent, teacher, or other school staff.  The STARS Program is coordinated by the Student Services Department.

SRO Programs
radKIDS®:  is the national leader in children's safety, with headquarters based in South Dennis, Massachusetts. radKIDS® is brought to children and parents by the training and development of nationally certified instructors drawn from their own communities. By empowering a community with certified local instructors, the radKIDS® Personal Empowerment Safety Education package is not just a program but a true gift to the community. radKIDS® curriculum topics include:

  • Home, School and Vehicle Safety

  • Out and About Safety

  • Realistic Defense Against Abduction

  • Good-Bad-Uncomfortable Touch and more.

  • Stranger Tricks (including Physical Defense against Abduction)

  • Self-realization of personal power

S.A.V.E. (Students Against Violence Everywhere) is a student driven organization. Students learn about alternatives to violence and practice what they learn through school and community service projects. As they participate in SAVE activities, students learn crime prevention and conflict management skills and the virtues of good citizenship, civility, and nonviolence.  For more information, please visit National SAVE.org.