PREVENTING
WORDS: Dr. Kirstina Ordetx
When students go to school each day, they are surrounded
by experiences, emotions, opinions, and knowledge of
current events and issues in our world. News stories and
social media can have a direct impact on the school climate. While
discussions are transpiring over the best way to keep schools
safe, there lies a persistent obligation to consider the emotional
well-being of students in schools each day.
As educators and parents, we are wondering what else can
be done to eliminate the barriers of communication. Could we
be more aware of indicators or warning signs of threats to our
students’ safety? Can we do anything to prevent violence in
schools? What can we do right now?
Today and every day, we can support our students and continue
to acknowledge the importance of their need for a socialemotional
education that compliments their academic learning.
In the classroom, at home, and in the community, we can instill
resilience to help our children to develop determination and
perseverance to tackle problems and cope with the social and
emotional challenges of school and life.
Students spend most of their waking hours in school, which
provides an excellent opportunity to assemble an environment
where they can feel condent, secure, and develop skills that
may one day, lead to societal change.
Schools are also in a distinctive position to identify violent
behavior and teach prevention strategies that can improve
outcomes for all students. As the more obvious security measures
are currently being enhanced in our schools, there are several key
areas that may serve as valuable resources to promote student
safety from within.
DEVELOP CHARACTER
Character education is the shared responsibility of parents,
teachers, and the community. Schools that incorporate character
education as an integral part of the day are helping students to
make ethical choices to guide their daily decisions and prepare
for the future.
The Character Counts program focuses on Six Pillars of Character
including trustworthiness, respect, responsibility, fairness, caring
and citizenship. Research has demonstrated the impact that
programs like this can have on students and the climate in their
schools, adding a strong compliment to the academic curriculum
while improving social relationships, engagement, and effective
decision making.
Character education programs can be particularly benecial
during the middle school years, as students need encouragement
and a sense of connectedness while they navigate social
adjustment and embark on new transitions.
CREATE A SENSE OF COMMUNITY
Research conrms the benets of building a strong sense of
community in schools. Positive school climates have been
correlated with a decrease in absenteeism, suspensions, and
bullying. Students who feel positively about school are more likely
to demonstrate increased academic motivation, engagement in
the classroom, develop positive social relationships, and avoid
behavior problems that involve violence.