VIOLENCE PREVENTION

FOSTERING TRUSTED ADULT RELATIONSHIPS WITH STUDENTS

Past incidents of school violence have revealed a perception on the part of many perpetrators that no one was interested or cared about them. All school employees are asked to participate in ensuring that no student is without a trusted adult to whom they can turn for help or to communicate information pertaining to the safety of his or her school. 

MAKING SCHOOL A SAFE HAVEN FOR STUDENTS

Past incidents of school violence also revealed that perpetrators felt bullied, persecuted or injured by others. All school employees are encouraged to create an atmosphere of kindness, respect and fairness in every school building and be a safe harbor for all students, especially those who are experiencing turmoil at home and among their peers.

IDENTIFYING, ASSESSING AND MANAGING POTENTIALLY VIOLENT INDIVIDUALS

Taken from the Secret Service playbook, this strategy asks that everyone participates in identifying and reporting any statement or behavior of an individual which is suggestive of future violent acts. Building administrators are responsible for ensuring that an individual who has exhibited threatening or other concerning behavior is effectively assessed regarding his or her potential for violent activity. Appropriate steps can be taken to safeguard the school environment by managing the individual in accordance with the findings of the assessment.

IDENTIFY

It is important that everyone in the school community, i.e., students, staff, parents and

visitors, recognize and report any statement or behavior of an individual which is

suggestive or predictive of future violent action. The tendency to rationalize or minimize

statements or actions of concern has proven tragic in the past. Threatening comments,

violent drawings, veiled suicidal statements, etc., all should be reported to a school

administrator for further assessment.

ASSESS

Building administrators are responsible for ensuring that an individual who has exhibited

threatening or other concerning behavior is effectively assessed regarding his/her

potential for violent activity. Assessments should be comprehensive and will often

include parental input, review of past behavior, current observations, and interviews with

the individual. Assessments are conducted by a building administrator in collaboration

with the Safety and Security department and other appropriate district or law enforcement

Personnel. 

MANAGE

Appropriate steps can be taken to safeguard the school environment by managing the

individual in accordance with the findings of the assessment. Solutions may range from

additional in-school counseling to law enforcement action.

Everyone in the school community is encouraged to be vigilant and report any statement,

activity or behavior that is in any way suggestive of future violent action.