In partnership with the Menifee Police Department, the Menifee Union School District (MUSD) on July 29 hosted its first Summer Safety Summit. The two organizations brought together MUSD students, parents, and staff at Hans Christensen Middle School to provide a day full of information and activities designed to enhance and promote safe schools.
The summit started with a general session that introduced attendees to Menifee’s new Chief of Police, Edward Varso. The audience learned about how the district and police department respond to school incidents and threats.
“At the core of why we choose careers as officers is to serve and protect, Chief Varso said. “That is especially true when it comes to serving the students of Menifee.”
Participants then broke out into smaller sessions led by diverse presenters from across Riverside County representing the Safe Family Justice Center, District Attorney’s Office, Trauma Intervention Program of Riverside County, Riverside University Health System, and Riverside County Office of Education.
Topics included the active shooter response, dangers of social media, mental health awareness, suicide prevention and awareness, bike safety, cyberbullying, fentanyl awareness, behavior management, and more.
The next steps in this partnership include a collaborative and thorough review of site safety plans, officers conducting safety walks with school principals, and hosting joint community meetings with the superintendent and chief of police throughout the 2022-2023 school year.
