StudentWatch: Spotlight on Youth Violence

At Memphis Junior Academy in Memphis, Tennessee, 17 year-old student Eduardo Marmolejo stabbed his principal Suzette York to death. According to the police affidavit, Marmolejo had been planning the attack since last May because he “did not like her and she made him angry.” The attack took place in an empty classroom where Marmolejo knew he and York would be alone. The young man accused has admitted to stabbing the victim multiple times and leaving her in a pool of blood at the East Memphis private school. Both the prosecuting attorney and the defense attorneys in the case have asked for mental evaluations of the teenager.

Have you been made aware of a situation that could have escalated to violence with one of your students? If so, what did you do about it? Share your comments on our Facebook page.

Source: The Commercial Appeal

Spotlight on School Shooting Plot

In St. Tammany, Louisiana, three 15-year-olds have been arrested for plotting to kill at least one student and any law enforcement officers who might respond to the scene. Police believe they have arrested all of the individuals involved in the Lakeshore High School plot, but have not released any information regarding the motive. A prayer vigil was held the night before the start of school for concerned parents and students. The school principal has responded by calling parents to ensure additional security has been added at the school, as well as staff and counselors on-site to assist with concerned students.

With PublicSchoolWORKS’ Computer Reporting and Hotline Reporting systems, part of its award-winning StudentWatch Suite, parents and students are provided with 24/7 online and telephone reporting systems enabling them to report issues that might impact the safety of staff, students or property. These concerns include everything from weapons and drugs to self-injury issues like suicide, cutting and more. Has your school or district been a victim of violent threats? What tools did you provide to your students and parents to help them have a voice in the district? Share your stories with us on Twitter @PSWORKS

Source: WWLTV

Safety Thought

A notable debate concerning playground safety is taking place among psychologists, parents, and students in your very own back yard. While some feel that the muscular and emotional benefits of more “dangerous equipment” outweighs the risks, New York City has removed merry-go-rounds, seesaws, and tire swings on its playgrounds for fear of litigation.

What policies do you have to ensure school equipment safety? Are your playgrounds following your state’s codes and regulations? Share your stories with us on Twitter@PSWORKS.

Source: The New York Times

EmployeeSafe: Schools Tighten Up On Safety Drills

In Pennsylvania the first ever police school safety drill has taken place inside of a school. A total of 30 state and local officers entered Pocono Mountain East High School as part of the school safety demonstration. With guns drawn and safety shields up, the officers searched the school as part of their real-life training on how to respond if a gunman were on the loose at the school. One trooper expressed that waiting for something to happen is no longer their philosophy.

With an increased number of threats and attacks on schools, it is imperative that authorities and administrators implement a plan of action for situations posing a threat to school safety. While this school has begun the process of preparing for such situations many others have not.

How are you preparing for potential threats to you school? Have you developed a plan of action with your staff and local law enforcement? Share your comments on our Facebook page.

Source: WNEP-TV

Safty Thought: School Safty Policies

Albany Middle School in California is now using a “safe school ambassadors” program to keep the peace and build bridges among the school’s cliquey sixth through eighth grade students. According to the Albany Patch, 41 students who were considered influential to various cliques and social groups were selected to receive training in an effort to get rid of the bullying. Throughout their training, students learned how to talk, care and stand up for each other, no matter their background or clique. The “safe school ambassadors” have been given the tools to diffuse bullying, while being empowered to stand up and intervene when someone is being mistreated. The “safe school ambassadors” program is now being used in 900 schools around the country.

Knowing students have the power to influence each other, do you think a “safe school ambassadors” program would work well at your school? How have your students worked together to put an end to bullying at your school? Share your stories with us on Twitter @PSWORKS.

Source: Albany Patch

Youth Violence: Guns in Schools

After being bullied, abused, taunted and called names for months, 11-year-old Brenton Peraita told his bullies he wished for a gun to get rid of them. Shortly after his comment was made, Peraita was arrested for making criminal threats. Even though Peraita and his family made nearly 50 complaints to school administrators, it took Peraita sticking up for himself to end the teasing. Peraita was not the only one who got into trouble. In addition to arresting Peraita, police issued citations to the three students who had allegedly been bullying him.

Peraita, the victim, decided to use scare tactics on his bullies and was the one who got arrested. What went wrong here? Why was more not done after so many complaints by Peraita’s family? How can schools ensure that the victim is looked out for and not driven to a point of violence?

Share your thoughts and stories with us on Twitter @PSWORKS.

Source: Fox News Online

Safety Thought: New Policies for School Discipline

As the new school year approaches, the North Carolina General Assembly has approved legislation that will change 32 policies for the 2011-12 academic year. The policy changes, are being implemented to reduce the number of school suspensions. According to the new set of policies, only the possession of a firearm on school property will result in a 365-day suspension. In addition, long-term suspensions are being limited to incidences that disrupt the educational environment or threaten staff, student or school visitor safety.

What policies are you putting in place for your school this year? What policies do you have to ensure both student attendance and school safety? Share your stories with us on Twitter@PSWORKS.

Source: The Mount Airy News