Students cannot learn if they do not feel safe. That was my experience when my oldest child was in high school, and was the lone black male student in their class. Teachers and staff cannot do their best work if they do not feel supported.
Every student deserves a learning environment where they feel included and seen for their physical, emotional, and psychological safety. We must continue investing in prevention of violence, restorative practices, behavioral health supports, interruption strategies, and positive school culture.
School safety is not a single program. It is the result of strong relationships, adequate resources, clear expectations, and supportive adults working together to create environments where students can thrive.
My family’s experience is that communication is a key foundation of safety and I would like to work on ensuring that more parents know that they can talk to teachers and principals to better understand each child and support them. Engagement and greater communication also nurture trust, which is key to safety.