vice; * Student handbook and teacher handbook'* Disciplinary files; * PTA newsletters that address safety and security;* Labor contracts for classified and certified staffIn addition, the school could develop their own evaluation tool for their annual site review of the safe school plan, or use a research based plan that would work for the school or district. Crisis involving sudden violence in schools are traumatic in large measure because they are rare and unexpected. Everyone is touched in some way. In the wake of such a crisis, members of the school community are asked, and ask themselves, what could have been done to prevent it. School can meet the challenge of reducing violence. The school community can be supported through:* School board policies that address both prevention and intervention for troubled children and youth. * Schoolwide violence prevention and response plans thatinclude the entire school community in their development and implementation. * Training in recognizing the early warning signs of potential violent behavior. * Procedures that encourage staff, parents, and students to share their concerns about children who exhibit early warning signs. * Procedures for responding quickly to concerns about troubled children. * Adequate support in getting help for troubled children.Everyone who cares about children cares about ending violence. It is time to break the silence that too often characterizes even the most well meaning school communities. Research and expert based information is available for school communities to use in developing and strengthening programs that can prevent crises. School safety is everyone's job. Teachers, administrators, parents, community members, and students al...
