Observe and Report
Sandy Graf
April 12, 2013
Keeping Schools Safe
What is safety?
Merriam-WebsterDictionary definessafety as the conditionof being safe fromundergoing or causinghurt, injury, or loss.
Keeping Schools Safe
Everyone agrees thatschools should be safeplaces for children.
The question becomes,“Whose job is it tokeep our schoolssafe?”
Keeping Schools Safe
In 1966, Charles Whitman, was a studentat the University of Texas. On August 1,1966 he climbed a clock tower and openedfire on the people below. He killed 14people and injured 32.
Keeping Schools Safe
In 1999, Eric Harris and Dylan Kleboldwere students at Columbine High Schoolin Colorado. On April 20, 1999, theybrought guns to school and opened fire.They wounded 21 students; they alsokilled 12 students and 1 teacher beforethey killed themselves.
Keeping Schools Safe
On December 14, 2012, Adam Lanza shothis way into Sandy Hook ElementarySchool in Connecticut. He fatally shot 20children and 6 adults before he killedhimself.
Keeping Schools Safe
School responses tosafety and security vary.They include:
•Private security
•Metal detectors
•Controlled access(locked/monitored doorsand gates)
•Cameras
•Clear backpacks
•Uniforms
Keeping Schools Safe
This year, the Principal of Sandy HookElementary School had a security systeminstalled. Visitors had to be visually identifiedand then buzzed into the school. The doorswere locked each day at 9:30 A.M.
The doors were locked when Adam Lanza shothis way through the doors into the school.
Keeping Schools Safe
School safety is a “hot topic” in today’snews.
School and state responses vary. InFlorida, lawmakers are considering armingteachers and placing law enforcementofficers at every public school.
Keeping Schools Safe
Are you ready todefend?
Keeping Schools Safe
Violence has beenpresent in society for aslong as there have beenpeople.
But. . .
Less than 1% of violentdeaths are schoolassociated.
Keeping Schools Safe
You are the defenderof your students . . .
. . . I suppose thismakes you almost asuperhero. . .
You are the “eyes” oncampus.
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Keeping Schools Safe
What can you do?
•Be visible. Greet parents, students, andvisitors.
•Be observant and aware of yoursurroundings.
•Monitor all common areas.
Keeping Schools Safe
LISTEN to yourstudents.
Help your school tocreate a reportingsystem such as tellingan adult or a place toplace an anonymous tip.
Keeping Schools Safe
Practice safety drills –even if they are just “inyour head.”
What would I do if???
Think outside the boxand have a plan. If youhave a plan, you will notpanic.
