SAFER SCHOOLS: Community Awareness

Pro-Active Safer Schools: A Community Site

New picture & heading on website opening:
SAFER SCHOOLS: Community Awareness

Safer Schools: Community Focus on Safety

VA Code 18.2-60

Legislation created/passed by VA Teacher Association and VA legislators AFTER the VA Tech massacre: at school or school activities, oral threats of bodily harm are a Misdemeanor 1; written threats of bodily harm are a Felony 6. 

Why not PRO-ACTIVELY in GCS? in all NC schools?

Addressing school violence, verbal/written threats

Intercept verbal or written threats of bodily harm:

* Student or staff: share threat directly with SRO/law enforcement and complete a police statement the same day.  Let law enforcement begin with a blank slate and use their expertise to initially address the situation…let law enforcement communicate with school "leaders".  (SRO: Student Resource Officer)

* If threatened or feel unsafe, complete and file a police statement ASAP.
   Keep the original copy: this will be needed if I petition the court for a Restraining Order.

*In a 3-ring notebook, record date, time, place, individuals present, conversation.  Keep a running journal of events (in plastic sleeves) to ensure accuracy.

Right to Representation

Demand for employee to meet alone with school or central office “leader(s)”:

* Employee does not have to meet alone with employer/administrator. 

* Employee has the right to representation: family member, NCAE, and/or lawyer 
(NCAE: 336-292-4800; 800-635-9153; NCAE: NC Association of Educators).

* Employee may have a previous commitment (Dr. appt., child or family need).

* Employee may reschedule meeting at mutually agreeable time with school/central office ‘leader’.

See "Safer Schools" website page: "Did You Know?"

Confidentiality Agreement/Gag Order

Do not sign a confidentiality agreement/gag order.  May leave matter unaddressed...future individual(s) &/or situation as vulnerable as you.

If you do choose to sign: first ask deep questions of knowledgeable, respected, trusted family members, mentors, support system, individuals involved.  Include satisfactory responses in signed agreement.

See "Safer Schools" website page, “Did You Know?”

saferschools@yahoo.com

NC Juvenile Risk Assessment/Violence Risk Assessment

Please share similar, excellent assessments with our "Safer Schools" Team at saferschools@yahoo.com

See " Safer Schools" website page: NC Juvenile Risk Assessment

CALL TO ACTION: WHAT CAN WE/I DO?

* Share this site with family and friends


* Share positive actions working in your schools/school system: excellent examples of students, teachers, local school administrators, central office administrators, and schools pro-actively addressing school safety/school violence.


* Share needs regarding school safety/violence issues


We look forward to reading your comments and personal stories of your experiences related to Pro-Active Safer School issues.  Your comments will be published only at your request. 



"Safer Schools" Team
saferschools@yahoo.com