1. School Violence

2. Violence zThe act of purposefully hurting someone. zViolence: yAn expression or release of feelings such as anger or frustration. yA way of controlling others to get something they want. yLearned behavior that can be changed.

3. Characteristics to Look For zName calling, cursing and abusive language. zViolent threats when angry. zBringing a weapon to school. zBackground of serious disciplinary problems. zBackground of drug or alcohol abuse.

4. zFew or no close friends. zPreoccupation with weapons, explosives or incendiary devices. zDisplay of cruelty to animals. zBeing a victim of or witnessing neglect or abuse at home. zBullying or intimidating peers or younger children. Characteristics to Look For (continued)

5. zBlaming others for difficulties and problems. zPreference of TV shows, reading materials, movies, etc. with violent themes. zReflections of anger or frustration in writing. zInvolvement with gangs or other antisocial groups. Characteristics to Look For (continued)

6. zFrequent depression and display of significant mood swings. zThreats or attempts to commit suicide. zTantrums and uncontrollable angry outbursts. zNational School Safety Center Characteristics to Look For (continued)

7. When You Recognize Violent Behavior zBe safe. zTell someone you trust about your concerns. zIf necessary, get someone to protect you. zDon’t resort to violence to protect yourself. zAsk a professional for help.

8. Anger and Violence zAnger is a part of life, but you can free yourself from the cycle of violence by learning to talk about your feelings. yBe strong. yBe safe. yBe cool.

9. Violence Quiz

10. CDC Statistics 1997 z8.3% of high school students carried a weapon. z5.9% of high school students carried a gun. z4% of students missed school because they felt unsafe.

11. z14.8% of students had been in a physical fight on school property. z32.9% of students nationwide had property stolen or deliberately damaged at school. CDC Statistics 1997 (continued)

12. z4,000 incidents of rape z11,000 incidents of physical attack with a weapon z7,000 robberies z190,000 fights z115,000 thefts z98,000 incidents of vandalism CDC Statistics 1996-1997

13. Gun-Free School Zones Act of 1990 zSchool zone = 1,000 ft. from school grounds zPossession and discharge of weapon punishable by $5,000 and imprisonment not more than five years, or both. zExceptions?

14. Gun-Free Schools Act of 1994 zImprovement to 1990 Act zRequires expulsion for not less than one year of any student bringing a weapon to school. zException by chief administering officer of local educational agency on case-by-case basis.

15. School Weapons Policy zSpecify the weapons or types of weapons or other objects prohibited. zState any exceptions: yKnives in the kitchen yROTC yEtc.

16. zSpecify physical areas covered. zSpecify either mandatory or discretionary reporting requirements of staff and students to school and law enforcement. zEstablish a “Zero Tolerance” policy? zWhat sanctions? (If not imposed by law,) zProvide for appeal. School Weapons Policy (continued)

17. zWill a child be allowed or obligated to make up work missed during the suspension? zUsually violations of the weapons policy will also violate state law and will include criminal prosecution. zWhat about criminal prosecution of parents who aided or permitted a child to violate the policy? School Weapons Policy (continued)

18. Lockdown Procedures “There is an intruder in the building, please institute lockdown.”