Learn about school safety

Overview: In response to threats of increased violence and terrorism, many U.S. schools have increased their security. How safe is your school? Have students identify and prioritize their school-related safety concerns. Ask a school administrator to speak to your class about the measures that are in place to address these concerns. If these measures are not effective, have students identify ways to address these issues and write letters to your school's principal that describe their ideas for making their school a safer place.

Have students read the story "Sniper Investigation Heats Up" and answer the following questions:

RELATED • Possible sniper evidence being analyzed  • Federal Activities Addressing School Violence  • National Association of School Psychologists: Crisis Intervention Resources  • The School Survey on Crime & Safety   • Safe and Drug-Free Schools program

1. What evidence was retrieved from the site of the most recent sniper shooting in the Washington, D.C. area? Why do you think Montgomery County Police Chief Charles Moose was upset about the leak of the Tarot card information to reporters? What thoughts and feelings have you had about the recent sniper shootings? Have the shootings affected your feelings about going to school this week? Explain.

2. What acts of extreme violence have occurred in and around U.S. schools in recent years? According to the video, why are American schools safer as a result of these tragedies? According to Bill Modzeleski of the Safe and Drug-Free Schools Program, what types of intervention programs need to be developed to help troubled students? What school-related safety issues worry safety experts the most?

3. How safe is your school? Help students to brainstorm a list of concerns related to the safety of your school. These concerns might include bullying, terrorism and natural disasters, such as hurricanes. Challenge students to rank the concerns from most to least severe. Then, ask a school administrator to speak to your class about the measures that are in place to address these concerns. Discuss whether or not these measures are effective. If the measures are not effective, refer groups of students to library and Internet resources to identify ways to address these issues to improve the safety of your school. Have each group write a letter to the principal of your school that describes the group's ideas for making its school a safer place. Have students share their letters and discuss.

Teachers: If you would like more information on how to talk to children about terrorist acts, such as the recent sniper shootings, please visit the following sites: