Observe and Report

Sandy GrafApril 12, 2013

Keeping Schools Safe

What is safety?

Merriam-Webster Dictionary defines safety as the condition of being safe from undergoing or causing hurt, injury, or loss.

Keeping Schools Safe

Everyone agrees that schools should be safe places for children.

The question becomes, “Whose job is it to keep our schools safe?”

Keeping Schools Safe

In 1966, Charles Whitman, was a student at the University of Texas. On August 1, 1966 he climbed a clock tower and opened fire on the people below. He killed 14 people and injured 32.

Keeping Schools Safe

In 1999, Eric Harris and Dylan Klebold were students at Columbine High School in Colorado. On April 20, 1999, they brought guns to school and opened fire. They wounded 21 students; they also killed 12 students and 1 teacher before they killed themselves.

Keeping Schools Safe

On December 14, 2012, Adam Lanza shot his way into Sandy Hook Elementary School in Connecticut. He fatally shot 20 children and 6 adults before he killed himself.

Keeping Schools Safe

School responses to safety and security vary. They include:•Private security•Metal detectors•Controlled access (locked/monitored doors and gates)•Cameras•Clear backpacks•Uniforms

Keeping Schools Safe

This year, the Principal of Sandy Hook Elementary School had a security system installed. Visitors had to be visually identified and then buzzed into the school. The doors were locked each day at 9:30 A.M.

The doors were locked when Adam Lanza shot his way through the doors into the school.

Keeping Schools Safe

School safety is a “hot topic” in today’s news.

School and state responses vary. In Florida, lawmakers are considering arming teachers and placing law enforcement officers at every public school.

Keeping Schools Safe

Are you ready to defend?

Keeping Schools Safe

Violence has been present in society for as long as there have been people.

But. . .

Less than 1% of violent deaths are school associated.

Keeping Schools Safe

You are the defender of your students . . .

. . . I suppose this makes you almost a superhero. . .

You are the “eyes” on campus.

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Keeping Schools Safe

What can you do?

•Be visible. Greet parents, students, and visitors.•Be observant and aware of your surroundings. •Monitor all common areas.

Keeping Schools Safe

LISTEN to your students.

Help your school to create a reporting system such as telling an adult or a place to place an anonymous tip.

Keeping Schools Safe

Practice safety drills – even if they are just “in your head.”

What would I do if???

Think outside the box and have a plan. If you have a plan, you will not panic.