As we welcome students back for the 2026–27 school year, I’m beginning my 21st year as CEO of Safe Schools Mohawk Valley. Over two decades, we have positively impacted more than 35,000 students and families, and a new school year always reminds me how much each one of those relationships matters.

The stories of success I hear from our incredibly resilient students validates the importance of the work our staff contributes to our schools and our community. One of the most rewarding things about these 20 years has been watching our work come full circle as we hire former students who now share their skills and wisdom with the next generation.

Students are returning to classrooms facing real challenges. From our perspective, we see significant financial instability, rising costs, epidemic levels of anxiety and other mental health concerns, the pressures of social media, and now AI. In spite of all of this, I see hope and a positive future for every student in our programs. Through our support and services, they are learning the skills they need to meet these challenges and flourish.

None of that happens without the people who show up for our students every day. To our SSMV team: thank you. As this school year gets underway, know how deeply your work is valued, by me, by our school partners, and by the students whose lives you are changing.

Here’s to a strong start and a great year ahead.

Anne Lansing
CEO, Safe Schools Mohawk Valley

Urban Leadership Institute First Responder Academy Returns for Year Two

This August, local high school students traded summer break for turnout gear as the First Responder Academy returned for its second year, part of the Urban Leadership Institute’s 15th summer.

Students pulled on full firefighter gear to practice rescues and learn fire truck safety, then shifted to emergency medicine, learning CPR, wound care, and how to use an EpiPen from EMS educators. With a county sheriff’s department, they got an up-close look at armored rescue vehicles and the specialized tactical gear used in real emergencies. They also spent a day outdoors building trust and teamwork, learned equipment basics, and watched a K-9 unit in action.

Along the way, students practiced the skills these careers demand under pressure and saw firsthand how fire, EMS, and law enforcement work together when it counts.

Inside Our Schools: SSMV at Work

Each month, Safe Schools’ staff lead engaging activities designed to build connection, strengthen social-emotional skills, and support students in meaningful ways. Check out some of the projects and lessons happening inside our partner schools.

Prepped & Ready

In August, our team came together for a month of team-building and learning, starting with shared activities and time together that strengthened the bonds they’ll lean on all year. The work our staff does is personal, and it starts with trusting the people beside you.

From there, we built new skills through trainings led by community partners. Sessions covered cultural differences and bias awareness, Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs), Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) activities, group dynamics, a candid conversation about teen pregnancy and prenatal care, and much more. These sessions pushed our staff to think more deeply about the backgrounds and experiences of the youth we serve and gave them practical tools for building real connection.

It was a month of leaning in, addressing hard questions, and choosing to grow and be ready when students walk through the school doors. A special thank you to our community partners for investing their time with our staff.

Safe Schools Mohawk Valley offers professional development training designed to build collaboration and real results for school staff. From crisis intervention to restorative practices, our evidence-based courses give administrators, teachers, and support staff the practical skills to create safer, more supportive learning environments for every student.

Don’t miss our discount deadlines. Reserve your training now.