Do students and teachers have identification cards?
Those without cards should receive visitor badges. Is a dress code enforced? Any gang-related clothing should be prohibited. Is there a peer mediation program? When students can sit down and talk, they can solve their differences peacefully rather than through violence. Do parents care about safety? Make sure the topic is on the agenda of your PTA. Many schools invite local law enforcement officials in to talk about safety. Do the children learn about safety? These law enforcement officials should talk with the children, too. Besides safety in school, these experts can tell children how to stay safe on the streets. Does your school have a way to spot and deal with troubled students? In the wake of Columbine, many schools have become super-sensitive to these warning signs. Is there sufficient, qualified staff to counsel troubled students? It’s not enough to spot the students; the kids need to receive the proper attention before they resort to violence.
