Develop Skills and Policies to Create and Implement a Safe School Atmosphere:

Steps

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	Visit Washington state's site on characteristics of a school that is safe and responsive to all children.

Step 1: Train administrators to better understand how to develop a peaceful and safe culture where violence is not tolerated. Gain an understanding of issues of students’ rights when developing a safety plan. How does a zero tolerance philosophy support the school and community?

Most school systems have an extensive discipline code. Consequences for behavior are determined to assure the development of responsible students and a safe climate within the school. Involvement of the police can change a school-based misdeed into a legal misdemeanor. It is important for the administrator to determine when to involve law enforcement officials and when to discipline solely within the school setting.
The presence of a strong administrative team that is respected and trusted is imperative. Obviously the school community is more willing to communicate concerns to the administration when there is a feeling of affirmation, respect and openness. You want your students and parents to say, “My Principal listens to me and won’t let anyone hurt me. My Principal is in charge and I know that I can feel safe in my school”.

Step 2: Develop a method for safe and confidential communication of safety and violence concerns between the school community and school and law enforcement officials.

The Administrative team can assure help and support by opening positive lines of communication with the local police. Create an atmosphere where parents can come to school administrators and communicate concerns relative to community-school behavior. Rather than being accused of “policing the community”, schools want to be considered a source for help in the community.

One of the best and most successful examples of positive relationships between school and police is the use of School Resource Officers placed within the school. See web sites.

Step 3: Develop a plan to communicate the occurrence of unsafe situations to the school community i.e. Principal’s letter, web site/e-mail, newspaper release.
Larger districts will have various methods available for dissemination of information. Keep in mind that the use of only one method is not foolproof. The greater the variety of communication methods employed, the greater the chance for information to get to the intended audience.

A Principal’s newsletter is a comprehensive way to get weekly information into the homes. With the technology explosion, a web site and e-mails are more frequently being used to communicate between the home and the community. Keep in mind though, that this method may not be available because of socio economic situations. Newspaper and radio announcements are another method for widespread dissemination of information. It is very important to remember to include the non-English speaking members of the community. Information must be communicated in a manner that can benefit all students.

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