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Phyllis Ricciardi

Safe Schools

            It is top priority to have safety protocols in a crisis or emergency situation. According to ISSlc Standard 3 D- schools are committed to ≥create a safe, healthy environment to ensure successful teaching and learning occurs in a safe and up to date school facilities≈ To fulfill that commitment to ensure safety, it is very important that schools follow an organized plan. Following the safety protocols will help to protect the safety of all students and staff members.

            In the reading ≥Bomb Threat Basics≈ Micheal Dorn states, ≥Because of the proper handling of the situation through an effective school/law enforcement threat management partnership, you did not yet hear of another school tragedy on the news.≈ Following a set of procedures will make a difference when handling a crisis. Micheal Dorn recommends that schools follow five key responses during a crisis:

  1. Accept the reality of all incidents.

  2. Get help from the experts.

  3. Develop and implement preventive measures based on the recommendations of the experts.

  4. Develop protocols for the school to follow and effectively communicate them to all staff.      

  5. Develop a crisis protocol.

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When administrators and staff are organized and prepared during a crisis it will help them deal with the challenge of an emergency.

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            I would train my staff to ensure student safety in the event of an incident that impact of student safety by providing them with the knowledge and skills they need to respond to a crisis. As a principal every month I would arrange training for every staff member which will focus on the strategic plans to follow during a crisis. During the training staff will be involved in various mock crisis drills. Given the experience and knowledge staff will know what to do and will feel secure during an emergency crisis.

Question: Why is there knowledge of constructing weapons of destruction so easily obtained?

            If I were a principal I would apply the new knowledge that I have learned by taking the advice that I have read and be prepared to keep my school safe during a crisis. I would also like to discuss with other principals their ideas of what they would do during a crisis. In addition, I would like to receive training and gain the knowledge I need to prepare myself for a crisis.

            During my research reading from the internet I came across a web page http://www.commatters.org/youth/school.htm that describes seven key factors that guide educators to make schools safer. The following are the Seven Keys:

    1.    School-Community Partnership

2. School Safety Team
3. Students as safe School Ambassadors
4. Tolerance and Diversity Activities
5. Opportunities for the Least Engaged Youth
6. Teacher and Staff Training
7. Parent Involvement

I found the key factors interesting and helpful during a crisis. When I am faced with a crisis I will keep this information in mind.