School Safety
Compiled by Dick Oakes
www.phantomranch.NET
Children's Safety - General
Ensuring safety in the school community is an ongoing process requiring a partnership among students, parents, staff, and community members to create a safe, positive environment where children can learn and grow. When violence becomes an acceptable way to settle conflicts, children cannot learn and teachers cannot teach.
Preventing School Violence
- Find out about the schools in the community and how crime impacts them.
- Take action to protect children.
- Be watchful around children and schools and report any concerns about violence or threats.
- Promote nonviolent ways to manage conflict.
Students
- Settle arguments in nonviolent ways --
through discussions, not physical means.
- Report crimes or suspicious activities to police, sheriff's office, school leaders, parents, and adults.
- Take safe routes to and from school and identify places to get help if needed.
- Don't use alcohol or other drugs and stay away from places and people who do.
- Get involved in the school's anti-violence activities, have poster contests against violence, hold anti-drug rallies, and volunteer to counsel peers. If there are no programs, help start one.
Adults and Parents
- Become involved in your child's school activities --
parent-teacher's association, field trips, and helping out in class or lunchroom.
- Know where your kids are, what they are doing, and with whom they are doing it --
at all times!
- Work with other community members and school leaders to provide safe places for children.
- Educate yourself and the children in the community about how to reduce their risk of being victims of crime.
- Learn about nonviolent methods of handling frustration, anger, and conflict --
teach children.
- Sharpen parenting skills through local programs.
- Work with your child to emphasize and build their positive strengths.
- Work with other parents in your neighborhood to start a block program (such as a McGruff House).
Bus Stop Safety
- Walk ten feet forward of the bus.
- Stay out of the path of the bus' wheels.
- Wait for the driver's signal.
- Check to see that the crossing lights are on.
- Check for traffic while crossing the road.