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School Environment
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Post-Columbine concerns have precipitated many security-related changes in schools. Door access, name badges, security cameras, evacuation procedure reviews, police security officers, and other proactive steps have resulted. Parents want more, however, and they deserve more.
School security is only half of the school safety equation. The other half and perhaps the more important half is personalization of the school environment. Homeroom advisors, ninth grade transition plans, student assistance teams, child study teams, mentor programs, “alternative” clubs and organizations that cater to students with unique interests, tutoring by adults in the community, and other measures provide individualized attention to students who struggle to connect to school. Such interventions keep students, even in a large-school environment, from moving through the system anonymously.
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Finally, steps can be taken to teach students, perhaps in a homeroom curriculum, about harassment, bullying, and tolerance of differences. Rejection, resentment, revenge. There are really no security measures that will protect students from other students if steps have not been taken to ensure a caring, accepting environment. Olweus Bullying Prevention Program is a fairly new anti-bullying initiative that several Iowa middle schools have implemented. A program like this would be a positive addition to a 9th grade homeroom curriculum, orientation program, or professional development plan.
Parents who recognize efforts to personalize the school and to make the school safe for all children will be much more supportive of the school. |
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| Working with Parents...a Secondary Principal's Perspective |
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