BASA Member Update 3.2.18

Communicating on School Safety and Preparing for Walkouts

National events like the school shooting in Parkland, Florida quickly become local ones for schools. In the wake of these highly emotional and devastating events, what should a school system do? Parents and communities are turning to their local schools for responses. It’s understandable because these events hit home and could impact anyone, anywhere. Here are some suggestions on how to share information with your community and respond to questions: • Communicate with parents as to what you are doing on regular basis to keep your schools safe. Without divulging details about your safety plans, do mention things like regular ALICE drills, security cameras and about using a single entrance/exit for visitors. Share how you partner with local law enforcement. Let them know that these events are in the forefront of your concerns, too. • Be sure to include information on how everyone can keep the schools safe. It’s not just up to the district to keep students safe: It is up to everyone. State how. What is true in our airports is also true in our schools: “If see or hear something, say something.” Encourage families and students to talk to a teacher or administrator or use the district’s published hotline if they see or hear something they feel is wrong. Also, remind them that the district will be extra vigilant in checking for visitor badges and that all visitors must wear one visibly. Regardless of how well known they may be in the building, it is their identification to a teacher or staff member that they are cleared to be in the school. • Remember staff and include them on communication efforts. Staff members are also impacted by safety discussions and are often on the front lines answering questions within the community. Be sure to keep them informed so they can feel comfortable in the school environment and be an ally in addressing community concerns. Planned Walkouts? Be Prepared. The communication needs do not end with letting parents know what you are doing on a daily basis. More is coming your way and soon. The Women’s March Youth is sponsoring a National School Walkout on March 14. The walkout encourages students, teachers, school administrators, parents and others to walkout of school for 17 minutes at 10 a.m. Also, on Friday, April 20, the anniversary of Columbine, the Network for Public Education is promoting a “national day of action” and encouraging acts of protests in and around their schools, through organized sit ins, walkouts and marches.

The handling of these require significant research and consideration by school systems so that you can plan and have a clear, coordinated district response. Where to start?

• It is important to note that students and staff cannot just walk out. It is just not that simple. Be sure to check your policies with respect to students and staff and check in with your legal counsel. Know what each group can and cannot do. You can consider providing alternate ways for students to be involved by pushing it into the classroom as a learning experience.