443.9

SAFE SCHOOLS: POLICY AND PREVENTION STRATEGIES

School Safety: Focus on Violence Prevention

The Appleton Area School District will provide all students, staff, and community members a safe, secure, and nurturing school environment. School officials will focus on the prevention of school violence through demonstrated respect for all individuals and cultures and support and recognition for positive behavior. Firm guidelines for acceptable behavior will also be followed.

Specific approaches to preventing and reducing school violence, including conflict resolution, peer mediation, and character education will be effectively integrated with teaching and student learning. Efforts to “connect” students with school and community life and with positive “key” influences will be made. Instructional approaches will encourage collective and individual achievement and promote the daily application of positive values and conflict resolution skills to help manage naturally occurring controversies.

As school populations become more diverse, multicultural education programs will be incorporated to help prevent violence through the development of skills and knowledge to help bridge cultural differences. Efforts will be made so that schools become “communities” in which teachers and students get to know one another and develop respect and concern for one another as individuals. Educational staffs will strive to deliver student-centered curricula to help reduce student alienation.

Increased communication between schools, families, community organizations, and social service agencies will help form a solid foundation for both prevention and intervention in matters of school violence. Through consistent efforts to be informed and keep others informed, schools can help prevent violence and become communities of cooperation, safety, and achievement.

Student Nondiscrimination
The Appleton Area School District does not discriminate against students on the basis of sex, race, color, religion, age, national origin, ancestry, creed, pregnancy, marital or parental status, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression or physical, cognitive, emotional or learning disability in its education programs or activities. Discrimination complaints shall be processed in accordance with established procedures.

 

Legal References:
Wisconsin State Statutes 118.13, 118.16, 118.164 and 120.13

Cross Reference:
Safe Schools: Policies and Prevention Strategies, 443.9-Rule

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Adoption Date: August 9, 1999

 

 

443.9-Rule

SAFE SCHOOLS: POLICIES AND PREVENTION STRATEGIES

School Safety: Focus on Violence Prevention Procedures

A. Students, You Can

Attend school regularly.
Arrive at school and classes on time.
Arrange personal appointments outside of the school day.

Assume responsibility for your own behavior.
Take good care of your physical and emotional health.
Respect parents, teachers, and others in authority.
Respect the differences of others.
Conduct yourself in a manner which respects the rights of others.
Respect yourself…don’t be a victim.
Know and follow school rules.
Complete assigned tasks.
Make up missed classes and assignments.
Plan ahead to avoid crisis situations.

Become involved in classes and activities.
School co-curriculars
Big Brothers & Big Sisters, 4-H, church youth group
Mentoring programs
Volunteer programs
Work opportunities

Communicate with peers and adults to effectively solve problems.
Promote cooperation, not bullying.
Use good manners in dealing with other students and adults.
Seek help from a trusted adult when necessary, at home, school, or in the community.
Become involved in the programs of conflict resolution, peer mediation, and multicultural education.
Report illegal substances, crimes, and threats to school officials.

Be a role model for other youth.
Dress appropriately.
Use acceptable language.
Report violations of school policies.
Encourage and support other students.
Approach assigned tasks in a positive manner.
Show respect for the individual differences of others.
Be truthful and honest.
Work to “connect” with those who seem alone.

B. Parents, You Can

Be a responsible model and listener.
Spend time with your child. Do things of value with your child.
Control temper - Use acceptable language.
Know what your child is doing/feeling.
Ensure that any weapons/dangerous items in the home are locked and out of your child’s reach.
Designate a family hour where your child can talk about school and other issues.
Spend time reading with or reading to your child.
Stress the importance of education.
Create a homework time…no television, music, phone calls.

Know about your child’s friends.
Know their names, addresses, phone numbers, and parents’ names.
Communicate with the parents of your child’s friends.
Recognize and act on negative influences in your child’s life.
Monitor computer access.

Maintain communication with your child, school personnel, and other parents.
Set and communicate clear expectations and consequences to you child and involve him/her in the process.
Be clear and consistent when disciplining.
Teach respect of others and their rights, property, and reputation.
Take interest in your child’s day, everyday.
Speak positively about school staff, policy and practices.
Talk with you child about violence and its consequences.
Pay attention to school grades.
Get to know teachers and administrators.
Attend parent/teacher conferences.
Volunteer to serve on school committees and parent groups.
Inform school officials of domestic changes.
Develop a neighborhood watch program.
Know and discuss school policies on conduct, attendance, truancy, gangs, etc.

C. Community, You Can

Become a mentor.
Volunteer as a tutor or reading helper.
Encourage corporations and organizations to sponsor Safe School activities or Adopt-ASchool projects.
Know your neighborhood school.
Share neighborhood concerns and potential safety issues with school personnel.
Maintain zero tolerance for weapons, threats, intimidation, fighting, and violent acts.
Promote positive attitudes about young people.
Encourage youth-centered activities.
Recognize and support diversity in our community.

D. School Staff, You Can

Be a responsible model and a good listener.
Know students and staff by name.
Communicate with parents to acknowledge their child’s achievement and/or thank them for their support.
Show interest in the well-being of students within and beyond the classroom.
Be available.

Communicate clear expectations and consequences.
Post rules, regulations, and consequences.
Do not tolerate acts of violence.

Involve parents.
Consider parents as partners.
Recruit parents as monitors and volunteers.
Educate parents on school safety, violence, and gang issues.

Create curricula that focus on nonviolence, conflict resolution, and self-esteem.
Research and use available school and community resources.
Implement peer mediation, anger management, and other problem-solving strategies.

Be aware of strangers on campus.
Supervise bathrooms, halls, and all high-risk areas.
Allow entry only through one or two doors.
Direct visitors to sign in at the main office and issue identification badges.

Maintain a safe “warm” campus environment.
Plan, conduct and participate in training sessions for the prevention of school violence.
Involve the Police School Liaison (PSL) in planning and implementing safe school activities.
Keep school premises and functions free from offensive messages.
Ensure that the school buildings and properties are well lit and secure.
Promote personal and school pride.

 

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Adoption Date: August 9, 1999