Bay District Schools is taking an important conversation about school safety directly to students this week.

Superintendent Mark McQueen, representatives from the Bay County Sheriff’s Office, and State Attorney Larry Basford are visiting middle and high schools across Bay County to speak directly with students about safety, responsible decision-making, laws, and the very real consequences that can follow poor choices.

By the end of the presentations, every middle and high school student in Bay District Schools, including students attending many of our local charter schools, will have an opportunity to hear the message.

The goal is simple: make sure students understand that maintaining safe schools is a shared responsibility and that their words and actions matter.

During the presentations, students will hear about behaviors that can jeopardize school safety, including threats made in person, electronically or through social media. Presenters will also discuss how something intended as a joke or an impulsive post can quickly become a serious matter involving school discipline and law enforcement.

Just as importantly, students will be reminded of what they should do when they see or hear something concerning and the important role they play in speaking up and helping keep their schools safe.

Bringing district leadership, law enforcement, and the State Attorney’s Office together allows students to hear a consistent message about expectations, laws and consequences directly from the people responsible for keeping our schools and community safe.

These presentations are part of Bay District Schools' continued commitment to a proactive approach to school safety, one that includes strong partnerships with law enforcement and clear expectations for students.

School safety require all of us, and sometimes the most important step is making sure our students understand not only the rules, but why they matter.