Happy Friday #EngageChat! Akilah, from VA. Professional Learning Specialist. Dropping in for a bit to discuss an important topic to our school cultures
A1 Honestly I don't know anymore...but it has to include the ability to not worry that an event is going to happen today, but those days are gone #engagechat
A1 At it's most fundamental, school safety means you can send your children to school and expect their safe return without worry during the day. #EngageChat
School safety = having a safe environment... not just physically free from weapons, but a safe place for students to be themselves and feel recognized 😊 #engagechat
A1: On a basic level, school safety means having common school procedures in place, understood, and practiced in a way that those procedures are familiar in the event of an emergency.
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A1) An environment in which every school stakeholder inside and outside the school feels welcome and and a sense of belonging, and not threatened or isolated by being in the school. #EngageChat
A1: To me, it means protecting the students and faculty at all costs. Practicing ALL types of drills so that everyone is prepared in the event of an emergency. #engagechat
#engagechat Safety comes from mindful awareness and being present and envolved throughout the day. Observing, listening and most of all building relationships with colleagues and students to make sure everyone feels connected and a part of the community
A1) An environment in which every school stakeholder inside and outside the school feels welcome and and a sense of belonging, and not threatened or isolated by being in the school. #EngageChat
A1 School safeties means creating an environment where students, staff, workers & community members feel free to be themselves, to express themselves, to be free of harm (physical/emotional). To learn & love with freedom. To be inclusive. #engagechat
A1a Safety is two fold
1. Safety to learn, which is established thru respect & relationship
2. Safety to live, which is established by common sense
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A1 I have a hard time defining that these days, so many aspects of the school to consider, it should mean that every member of the school community is aware of the procedures, work together to have safety guidelines in place, #engagechat
A1: To me, it means protecting the students and faculty at all costs. Practicing ALL types of drills so that everyone is prepared in the event of an emergency. #engagechat
A1 School safety is a right that every child and adult deserves and should have. Schools should be a safe haven for everyone and not a war zone. #EngageChat
#engagechat Safety comes from mindful awareness and being present and envolved throughout the day. Observing, listening and most of all building relationships with colleagues and students to make sure everyone feels connected and a part of the community
A1) An environment in which every school stakeholder inside and outside the school feels welcome and and a sense of belonging, and not threatened or isolated by being in the school. #EngageChat
A1 every staff member is aware of all safety protocols and is vigilant in making sure ALL staff & Ss are safe by following these guidelines. There can be no loose adherence. It takes everyone to maintain safety. #engagechat
A1 School safeties means creating an environment where students, staff, workers & community members feel free to be themselves, to express themselves, to be free of harm (physical/emotional). To learn & love with freedom. To be inclusive. #engagechat
A1 I think it depends in what aspect. Students should feel safe in the school by having a caring support system. Teachers should feel safe from students and others. #engagechat
A1: School safety means that every child who walks through the door feels cared about and cared for. There are no worries that bullying will be tolerated or overlooked, and that the teachers and students look out for each other. #engagechat
When we feel disconnected or invisible we will do many things to call attention to ourselves. If we listen and communicate with those around us, bring the disenfranchised into the community we lessen the isolation and create stronger communities #engagechat
A1: School safety is more than a School Safety Plan; it's a set of practices that all stakeholders are aware of...even school substitutes. School safety appeals to the physical and emotional needs of the adults/students. #engagechat
A1 I have a hard time defining that these days, so many aspects of the school to consider, it should mean that every member of the school community is aware of the procedures, work together to have safety guidelines in place, #engagechat
A1: EVERYone feels safe at school, Ss feel safe to learn & adults feel safe to teach and work. We shouldn’t have to worry about whether or not something is going to happen to threaten our safety. When you’re worried- you’re not concentrating #EngageChat#LoveLiteracyLearning
A1 every staff member is aware of all safety protocols and is vigilant in making sure ALL staff & Ss are safe by following these guidelines. There can be no loose adherence. It takes everyone to maintain safety. #engagechat
A1 School safeties means creating an environment where students, staff, workers & community members feel free to be themselves, to express themselves, to be free of harm (physical/emotional). To learn & love with freedom. To be inclusive. #engagechat
Now its common to have a "What if" plan if the worst case scenario occurs It is not what we were trained for, but its our duty as Ts to protect our children #engagechat
A1 Physical safety for all Ss/Staff; Emotional/pyschological safety--Ss/staff able to exist w/o fear of repercussions due to personal judgements, harassment, or bullying from fellow Ss or Ts. #engagechat
Great point- school safety doesn’t just mean from physical harm. Thank you for that distinction, lately with everything going on, we quickly go to the physical, there’s more than that. #EngageChat
A1 #engagechat Physical safety, unfortunately is often easier than psychological safety- because our minds are individual and guarded- it is breaking down the barriers of these fortresses that will make the biggest impact
A2 Be prepared & make sure you are intentional with how you practice ALL drills We can't think just violence, but fire & storm as well Safety in preparation #engagechat
A2: continuous dialogue and habit formation that focuses on probable scenarios. In Mexico City we have had lots of practice with earthquakes this year. #EngageChat
A2 Be prepared & make sure you are intentional with how you practice ALL drills We can't think just violence, but fire & storm as well Safety in preparation #engagechat
A2: I make sure to pay attention to my kids in the classroom and in the hallways. Listen to them, and pay attention to their body language. If I hear something, I make sure to address it. #engagechat
A2 Reinforce safety by actively listening and acting on what you learn. Don't let warning signs first be mentioned in police reports after an incident.. #EngageChat
A2: Within a kindergarten classroom, safety is reinforced on a daily basis by creating a class culture of adult and student modeling of safe behaviors.
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#engagechat Presence, conversation, recognition and acceptance of students & colleagues and our differences and uniqueness. I make sure my classroom is a safe haven for free speech and ideas where any issue can be discussed without judgement
A1 - Stephen HS STEAMIE checking in from Philly... school safety means holding students and staff accountable with reasonable, restorative practices #engagechat
A2: continuous dialogue and habit formation that focuses on probable scenarios. In Mexico City we have had lots of practice with earthquakes this year. #EngageChat
A2 Everyone plays a part in reinforcing school safety. My part is making sure every student feels a deep and genuine sense of belonging, and maintaining routines that protect them physically and emotionally. #engagechat
We should feel safe, too. I agree. If we are in a school that we don't feel safe in, that means there are major issues to address immediately. #engagechat
A2: I tell my Ss each year that first I will make sure they are safe, then I will make sure they're healthy, and then I will teach them. We practice drills in my classroom that even the district doesn't. My littles come first!! #engagechat
A2: I make sure to pay attention to my kids in the classroom and in the hallways. Listen to them, and pay attention to their body language. If I hear something, I make sure to address it. #engagechat
Agreed- we’ve been doing tornado drills for several years now and last year we actually had a tornado- the kids were nervous but knew what to do and the staff was prepared. It wasn’t expected of course but it ran smoothly due to the practice we’d had #engagechat
A2 Follow the procedures. PRACTICE the procedures regularly. Talk about the 'why we do this.' Don't just phone it in. Take it seriously & expect your Ss, staff, Ps & community to do so too. #engagechat
A2: When I was a principal, I invested in a School Social Worker to meet the socio-emotional needs of students, given the high at-risk population. For physical safety, exterior doors were always looked and students rehearsed safety via School Culture Plan. #engagechat
To reinforce safety, schools must be proactive. Just as locking a door proactively keeps out potential intruders, creating channels for reporting unsafe behavior is equally important. #EngageChat
A2 If it's built in creatively with all other faucets of the campus, it will be understood as part of the culture and not a separate conversation #engagechat
Relationships are key. Recognize faces, make eye contact, find common interests and have conversations with people around me. The more we trust, the more we respect and open ourselves up to having meaningful relationships- these build a safe foundation for our schools #engagechat
A2 Everyone plays a part in reinforcing school safety. My part is making sure every student feels a deep and genuine sense of belonging, and maintaining routines that protect them physically and emotionally. #engagechat
A2 If it's built in creatively with all other faucets of the campus, it will be understood as part of the culture and not a separate conversation #engagechat
A2 creating an environ. where my Ss know it’s ok to take risks. Dream big and fail forward! I spend a lot of time building trust and relationships. Safety is built by creating a positive environment that has structure & high expectations. #EngageChat
A2) putting in place time for reevaluation...there are mandated fire drills and other drills that have to be practiced consistently..take them seriously to be able to obtain feedback on systems in place #EngageChat
A2 we go over the procedures, I make sure that Ss can access the exit, create a learning envt where they are comfortable, positive, feel welcomed, work on relationships and helping Ss to feel connected, and included #engagechat
Relationships are key. Recognize faces, make eye contact, find common interests and have conversations with people around me. The more we trust, the more we respect and open ourselves up to having meaningful relationships- these build a safe foundation for our schools #engagechat
A2 I start by creating a safe classroom environment. Allow discussion and stress the importance of listening. Practicing procedures during safety drills. Reflecting on behavior during them and discuss the importance of following them as expectedly. #engagechat
A2 Safety is a collective effort. We all have our part to play. It starts with the welcoming to our building & includes the safety that teachers create in their classrooms. Safety to allow & encourage learning, well-being, confidence. Must be a collaborative approach #engagechat
A2 creating an environ. where my Ss know it’s ok to take risks. Dream big and fail forward! I spend a lot of time building trust and relationships. Safety is built by creating a positive environment that has structure & high expectations. #EngageChat
It means that the most precious thing we have to offer the world: "our future our students", should be able to get an education w/o fear of any kind. It means that I will continue to pray and take every action in my power to make their school a comfort zone. #engagechat
A2 Safety is a collective effort. We all have our part to play. It starts with the welcoming to our building & includes the safety that teachers create in their classrooms. Safety to allow & encourage learning, well-being, confidence. Must be a collaborative approach #engagechat
A2 Practice emergency procedures, remind Ss of importance of not opening doors. Our PLTW EDD students created a safety device as their capstone project to help keep intruders out during an emergency. #engagechat
I struggle with the idea of arming teachers. I believe it is not what will make us safer overall- what will create a safer environment is talking about why this is happening? We have to keep talking/identifying the reasons this breakdown in relationships has occurred #EngageChat
A3 That team needs to be diverse so all lenses are looked through The more views, the better the plan for any situation Thru a team our fire evac is now smoother than ever #engagechat
I do, too! I have my Conceal & Carry, but to bring a weapon into my classroom is just asking for trouble. If they ask me to C&C, I'll walk! #engagechat
A3: A team that is representative of all stakeholders and cultures in the school is vital to a safe and happy school. Everyone should be represented so that concerns are addressed. I believe that the solution to combat violence is proactive involvement with our kids. #engagechat
A3 - we all work with Ss who bring challenges from the outside into school from time to time. It’s important to have a safety team to help manage those challenges when the Ss are struggling, not knowing how to handle things #engagechat
A3: One reason a safety team is important is so a new staff member has a contact person (or persons) if that new staff member has any questions about a safety issue or procedure.
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A3 need to have different perspectives, more ideas to bring to the table, involving Ss, Ts, admin, other school employees provides each groups diff viewpoint of the building, #engagechat
A3 A well-trained safety team knows what to do and who to contact in an emergency. While everyone is responsible for safety, the team is the brains of the operation. #EngageChat
A3: A team that is representative of all stakeholders and cultures in the school is vital to a safe and happy school. Everyone should be represented so that concerns are addressed. I believe that the solution to combat violence is proactive involvement with our kids. #engagechat
A3: I wish we had one in each building. We did in my previous district. We meet with district personnel, quarterly, and shared that information with our building staff. I was the chair in our building. #engagechat
A2. First and foremost I create a safe classroom environment for my pre-k Ss where they feel secure and cared for. We have established routines and procedures for inside, outside, drop off, pick up, etc. #EngageChat
A3 need to have different perspectives, more ideas to bring to the table, involving Ss, Ts, admin, other school employees provides each groups diff viewpoint of the building, #engagechat
A3: To discuss roles & responsibilities, go over scenarios & how situations should be handled, to reflect on how things went during drills & make adjustments as needed, to work together to create a plan to keep everyone safe #engagechat
#EngageChat Safety is both individuals remaining vigilant & a collaboration of voices with different strategies & approaches to create a cohesive/consistent plan of action. It is more important now than ever that we talk openly with Ss & ask for their help in the safety process.
Do all that you can within your zone of influence. Outside threats are one thing. But the climate and culture within a school are up to everyone within it, leadership on down. #EngageChat
A2 Safety is a collective effort. We all have our part to play. It starts with the welcoming to our building & includes the safety that teachers create in their classrooms. Safety to allow & encourage learning, well-being, confidence. Must be a collaborative approach #engagechat
A3 A well-trained safety team knows what to do and who to contact in an emergency. While everyone is responsible for safety, the team is the brains of the operation. #EngageChat
A3. There are people invested make sure information can be dispersed in every area of the school and everyone can be on the same page. When there is consistency it is easier to spot the out-of-the-ordinary red flags. #EngageChat
A3 You need to have a team to lead the efforts for safety and address concerns. It is up to this team to encourage and involve others to all play a role in school safety. These leaders are key in promoting the importance of safety. #engagechat
A3. There are people invested make sure information can be dispersed in every area of the school and everyone can be on the same page. When there is consistency it is easier to spot the out-of-the-ordinary red flags. #EngageChat
A3) A safety team allows leadership opportunities to be provided. It also gives its members a different perspective on the everyday functions of a school ...plus people are a lot less likely to tear down things they have helped build #Leadlap#EngageChat
A3) A safety team allows leadership opportunities to be provided. It also gives its members a different perspective on the everyday functions of a school ...plus people are a lot less likely to tear down things they have helped build #Leadlap#EngageChat
A team helps put safety protocols in place and helps prepare staff and students for any dangerous situation. I heard many students at Santa Fe saying the practice of their school Safety protocols helped save them. #engagechat
A3 they are important in communicating changes in expectations and leading in safety protocol in areas outside of just our typical safety drills. #engagechat
It means a lot of things, but tbh, one thing I was thinking about was the students who talk about a school shooter after the fact. Were adults listening? #EngageChat
Q2: Ever observant! The father of the house knows when things are not right in his domain. If you keep a positive relationship going w/S's, Parents & Community you notice if things are out of sorts. #engagechat
The responsibility shouldn’t be placed on one person, having the team ensures that a group of people are working together to disseminate the information and that many “eyes and ears” are out and about keeping everyone safe. #EngageChat
A4 Community meetings, email blasts, list serve information, backpack mail w/the what how & why of a safety plan So important to include parents in the process so they have a voice & know their role in a situation #engagechat
Yesterday, we—as a class—completed our first mindfulness activity. When I asked our kids to give me 1 word to describe what they were feeling, one of our girls responded, “SAFE.”
In a world of school shootings, if this activity makes kids feel SAFE, I will do it every day. ♥️
A4: Include parents on the safety team. Have parent meetings and broadcast them via periscope or a YouTube channel for the school. Make sure that they are active contributors in the discussion. #engagechat
A4 Community meetings, email blasts, list serve information, backpack mail w/the what how & why of a safety plan So important to include parents in the process so they have a voice & know their role in a situation #engagechat
A4 - both of my son’s school send out newsletters about “the happenings” in their school, specifically about school safety. I like it b/c it’s consistent, not emergent. I appreciate it and encourage my leadership to do something similar at our school #engagechat
A4: We have crisis books that we take with us for every drill. It has parent contact information. That's not good enough for me. In an emergency I might forget the book. I have every parent's phone number plugged into my phone, #engagechat
A4) The same way to communicate with families on everything: Constantly, through various means, tech and otherwise, that reach them. Let them know about drills and procedures as they happen. #EngageChat
A4: Include parents on the safety team. Have parent meetings and broadcast them via periscope or a YouTube channel for the school. Make sure that they are active contributors in the discussion. #engagechat
A4: I feel certain parts of the plan should be as classified as possible, but telling parents how you WILL communicate in a crisis is huge. #engagechat
A4 Keep parents informed about security activity without going into compromising details. Communicate via social media, newsletter and in person -- especially when nothing bad is happening. Parents need reassurance and peace of mind. #EngageChat
A4: Being transparent with information. Our school sends emails, text alerts, phone calls, flyers to parents. We have a PTA board and have meetings before school events. Admin has an open door policy and addresses concerns as well. #engagechat
A4 constant communication using different methods to be inclusive. General rapport building helps parents to feel comfortable and safe to contact the school with concerns and information. #EngageChat
#engagechat A4 There must be a way to convey up to date information to parents. Be it via social media or any app out there. In case of an emergency, the absence of up to date info from a trusted source can lead to miscommunication, confusion, anger and frustration.
A3) A safety team allows leadership opportunities to be provided. It also gives its members a different perspective on the everyday functions of a school ...plus people are a lot less likely to tear down things they have helped build #Leadlap#EngageChat
A4: Being transparent with information. Our school sends emails, text alerts, phone calls, flyers to parents. We have a PTA board and have meetings before school events. Admin has an open door policy and addresses concerns as well. #engagechat
A4 constant communication using different methods to be inclusive. General rapport building helps parents to feel comfortable and safe to contact the school with concerns and information. #EngageChat
A4 You need to involve them in the process and share policies and procedures with them. Have them olay a vital role in co-educating kids about safety and responsibility. Regular communication is vital. #engagechat
Without intent a best practice become a sometimes, we kinda know, hey what's the plan situation That is not how things need to be for any incident #engagechat
A3: A team that is representative of all stakeholders and cultures in the school is vital to a safe and happy school. Everyone should be represented so that concerns are addressed. I believe that the solution to combat violence is proactive involvement with our kids. #engagechat
A3: A team that is representative of all stakeholders and cultures in the school is vital to a safe and happy school. Everyone should be represented so that concerns are addressed. I believe that the solution to combat violence is proactive involvement with our kids. #engagechat
A4 Have forums and community discussions a few times a year on safety...Engage the community...Law Enforcement offices love to come present to Ss #engagechat
Studentsare our best observers- they know where the trouble spots are. They have known each other sometimes for years- keep them in the loop- open continual conversations- if they trust you they will tell you what’s happening around them frequently #engagechat
A4 Schools can collaborate with parents in ensuring student safety. Schools can support parents in talking to their kids about staying safe. #engagechat
A4 Have forums and community discussions a few times a year on safety...Engage the community...Law Enforcement offices love to come present to Ss #engagechat
A5 - consistency, prioritizing it even with other pressing issues afoot and reminding the staff the importance of safety for everyone in the building #engagechat
A4. I use REMIND for most communication with Ps because it’s the quickest way to update them but we discuss safety issues/updates at monthly P meetings and include it in newsletters as well. #EngageChat
Studentsare our best observers- they know where the trouble spots are. They have known each other sometimes for years- keep them in the loop- open continual conversations- if they trust you they will tell you what’s happening around them frequently #engagechat
I’d establish with families at the beginning of the school year who wants to be notified by text, and under what circumstances. I wouldn’t mind a text about a school safety drill, not just lockdowns. We get emails afterward but we don’t always see those right away. #EngageChat
#engagechat A4 There must be a way to convey up to date information to parents. Be it via social media or any app out there. In case of an emergency, the absence of up to date info from a trusted source can lead to miscommunication, confusion, anger and frustration.
A5: Presence! When students constantly see, interact with, and build a relationship with leaders in their school environment they feel safe in the day to day. So when a crisis occurs, they have that trust to rely on. #engagechat
A5 Back up words with action. Don't just say you have a security team. Train and exercise it. Spend the money for security equipment and personnel. Hope for the best and prepare for the worst. #EngageChat
A5 - consistency, prioritizing it even with other pressing issues afoot and reminding the staff the importance of safety for everyone in the building #engagechat
A5: Accept responsibility, be proactive not reactive, make decisions based on feedback provided, listen to suggestions, involve stakeholders in decision making process, take things seriously, ensure that a plan is in place & drills have been practiced, share the info #engagechat
Many teachers have never been trained or perhaps even thought about what to do if there is a dangerous situation. A safety team can get the training then train teachers so there is a unified and consistent approach to handling these situations, with contingency plans #engagechat
Leaders who are seen by staff and students with frequency promote a sense of safety & preparation in a school You have to be present to be safe & to promote calm #engagechat
A5: Presence! When students constantly see, interact with, and build a relationship with leaders in their school environment they feel safe in the day to day. So when a crisis occurs, they have that trust to rely on. #engagechat
A5: Leaders need to make safety a priority in their school district. No, you can't prepare for every scenario, but you can still be prepared. Coming from a district that made this a priority, it's so frustrating, so I just do it on my own, with my Ss. #engagechat
A5: Accept responsibility, be proactive not reactive, make decisions based on feedback provided, listen to suggestions, involve stakeholders in decision making process, take things seriously, ensure that a plan is in place & drills have been practiced, share the info #engagechat
Cool, calm, & collective. Visibility always let people know your there. Knowing that leadership is there helps to ensure that people feel like someone is looking out for them #EngageChat
#engagechat A5 Leaders should be continually reviewing and updating safety SOPs and ensuring regular communication with stakeholders(Ss, parents, community) is carried out. The best safety measures can only be as strong as the weakest link.
#engagechat Be present. Let teachers know what strategies are in place to keep the environment safe. Provide safety training and collaborative discussions on concerns. Most importantly- a great leader observes and listens. Does everything they can to keep those around them safe
A5 Leadership needs to be present everywhere and promote/encourage safety and relationship building. Keep open communication, involve all partners in safety procedures and processes. Leaders need to be seen and heard. Lead with heart. #engagechat
A5 Being present, being active in the school, moving through the building, interacting with staff and students, consistency with drills, safety team meetings, ongoing planning and updates to the procedures #engagechat
A5 approachability is so important. If the door is closed, you can’t receive important information! When open, on the other hand, you can constantly feel the pulse of the school #EngageChat
Thank you @daviswelcome for this chat tonight The more we talk the more prepared and calm we will be every day Have a safe weekend and summer everyone! #engagechat
Yes on including parents and YES on webcasting the meetings! That’s how you include everyone! So come to think of it, why aren’t all meetings accessible that way? #EngageChat
A4: Include parents on the safety team. Have parent meetings and broadcast them via periscope or a YouTube channel for the school. Make sure that they are active contributors in the discussion. #engagechat
A safe haven for learning may be designed and structured by an individual, but it can only be maintained and reinforced by a solid, focused team of observers and participants in its maintenance- it takes a village #engagechat
