VALENTINE, Neb. - With school safety at the forefront of concerns for parents, teachers, and educators, Valentine Community Schools has been honored for its exceptional efforts. The school has received recognition from the Nebraska Department of Education's School Safety & Security in the "Place School Safety First" campaign, which highlights schools in Nebraska that meet the highest standards for safety and security.

Valentine Community Schools earned the Diamond badge, the highest distinction, for achieving a score of 95% or better. A Gold badge is given to schools scoring 80-94% and a Silver badge to those scoring 70-79%.

Valentine earned a Diamond for maintaining an Emergency Operations Plan, completing the required trainings, conducting monthly drills and continuing best practices for school safety.

“Effective learning can only take place in a safe environment, and this recognition reassures the community that their schools are actively fulfilling the four pillars of safety: Prevention, Preparedness, Response and Recovery,” Alison Larsen with Valentine Community Schools Safety & Security said.

The Diamond badges will be displayed at school entryways, as well as on the school's website and social media platforms.