Frisco ISD’s incredible program has won the overall Texas School Safety Center’s School Safety Spotlight Award for Student-Led Groups or Programs.
By Rachel McReynolds
Frisco ISD’s Student Ambassador program has been honored with the overall Texas School Safety Center’s School Safety Spotlight Award for Student-Led Groups or Programs, recognizing the program for its leadership in promoting safe and supportive school environments.
The School Safety Spotlight Program highlights schools, districts and organizations that demonstrate exceptional commitment to fostering safety, wellness and belonging on their campuses.
Frisco ISD’s Student Ambassadors are high school leaders who collaborate with their campus Whole Child Committees to assess and enhance school climate. With responses to District’s Safe Schools Survey, they identify needs and implement programs focused on bullying prevention, suicide awareness, substance misuse education and mental health support.
Last October, the Student Ambassadors played a key role in Fentanyl Poisoning Awareness Month, helping develop a District-wide prevention lesson and a writing assignment incorporated into language arts classrooms in grades 6-12. This collaboration between Guidance and Counseling and the secondary English language arts departments was developed in support of state laws establishing October as Fentanyl Awareness Month and a week for fentanyl poisoning awareness.
During Red Ribbon Week, students participated in advisory lessons about substance misuse and completed grade-level writing prompts focused on awareness and prevention. Teachers were provided resources to guide discussion and integrate the writing process into existing curriculum standards. This initiative served as a Tier One intervention, allowing every student to engage in meaningful learning about the dangers of fentanyl and the importance of making healthy choices.
Thanks to the thorough, exceptional work Student Ambassadors, teachers and staff did last year, students will engage in this lesson this November, as well.
“Frisco ISD’s Student Ambassadors exemplify student leadership in action,” said Heather Mayfield, secondary counseling coordinator. “Their work shows how empowering students to take an active role in safety and wellness can transform a school community.”
Through their advocacy, Frisco ISD’s Student Ambassadors continue to encourage their peers, creating school communities where every student feels seen, supported and safe.