By Chreyshayla Lognion Chreysha.lognion@smail.astate.edu School Safety By Chreyshayla Lognion Chreysha.lognion@smail.astate.edu

Stats and Facts An estimated 60% of mass public shooters were diagnosed with a mental disorder or had demonstrated signs of serious mental illness. Since 2000, there have been more than 130 shootings at elementary, middle and high schools, and 58 others at colleges and universities. 1.7 million children live with unlocked, loaded guns - 1 out of 3 homes with kids have guns. At Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, Conn. in 2012, Adam Lanza reportedly fired more than 150 shots in less than five minutes from his assault-style rifle with a high capacity magazine.

Main Goal Our students deserve to be safe at school. As professionals, it is our job to provide our students with a safe and protected school zone. We must build positive relationships between our staff and students in order to develop cooperation and to help maintain open lines of communication from everybody. Always be open to talk with students even if it has been a long day.

What Can We Do? The first step to keeping our school safe, is to provide training to our staff throughout the school year. Topics for training can be, but are not limited to: - Bullying - Classroom Management - Crisis Intervention - Violence Risk Management - Firearm Training

Mental Health Wellness Providing our students with a positive school climate is the first step to preventing and minimizing mental health problems. When students know that the adults around them care about them, they are less likely to have problems. When students feel connected to their school, it increases the chance of academic success and school safety.

Community Collaboration Being able to collaborate with the community is a very important thing in order to ensure safety. The goal is to create good relationships and to exchange critical information throughout the school year to maintain student and school safety. When the school becomes involves with the community it allows the school to become more aware of things going on around the community.

Talking to Students When talking to students about safety, it is important to reassure students that they are safe. Let your students understand that they will always have an opportunity to talk to you about anything they need. Make time to talk to your students. Keep explanations short and to the point for students so that they can get a good understanding. Be able to observe your students emotional and mental state throughout the school year.

Emergency Checklist Notify the Principal 911 if necessary Notify the school Emergency Response Team Seal off high-risk area(s) Take control of your classroom. Lock door(s) Get the class quite and in order. Stay away from windows and doors.

Resources https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/politics/wp/2018/02/14/eighteen-years- of-gun-violence-in-u-s-schools-mapped/?noredirect=on&utm_term=.ca883c4adc5b https://injury.research.chop.edu/violence-prevention-initiative/types-violence- involving-youth/gun-violence/gun-violence-facts-and#.Wszpl4jwaUk https://www.heritage.org/school-safety https://superintendent.madison.k12.wi.us/node/20 https://www2.ed.gov/about/overview/focus/presentations/safe-schools.ppt