13. Safety & Security
a. Demonstrate the ability to develop and implement policies and procedures for safety and security
b. Ability to formulate safety and security plans to implement security procedures established by law, law enforcement assistance, and communication with the public and evacuation procedures
c. Demonstrate the ability to identify areas of vulnerability associated with school busses, building and grounds and formulate a plan to take corrective actions
d. Demonstrate an understanding of procedural predictabilities and plan variants where possible
e. Demonstrate the ability to develop plans that connect every student with a school adult, eliminate bullying and profiling and implement recommended threat assessment procedures
Reflection
Creating safe and secure schools continues to be a top priority for administrators, students, parents and teachers. Students deserve the right to attend schools that are free of violence and fear. They should be able to come to school each day and know that they will be able to receive the best education without fearing for their safety. It is the job of the building leader to ensure that this occurs.
In creating a safe and secure school, the leader must ensure that the culture of the school is at the top of the priority list. Having policies and procedures in place can help ensure that the climate of the school is one that is inviting to all students.
During my field experience, I was able to work on policies and procedures that impacted the safety and security of Eagle Ridge Junior High. Practicing drills is required by the law and ensuring that staff members practice and are prepared with the most up to date laws will help ensure that things go smoothly in case of an emergency. In my experience, we were able to implement the new laws regarding bomb threats. I was able to inform teachers of the new procedures of checking their area, rather than evacuating the building during this time. After the drill, as attached in my artifact, I was able to give administrators a summary of the issues and concerns of the drill. By practicing, we were able to predict issues that may arise if this were a real situation.
I was also able to serve on the safety committee at Eagle Ridge Junior High which was charged with the focus of determining the use of cameras in the school and addressing the current fire drill procedures. Eagle Ridge has never had cameras and they were to be installed. I have attached a copy of the agenda for the safety committee meeting that discussed determining the best location for them and how they would be utilized. During my field experience, I was able to be part of the process of getting the cameras installed, but also was able to utilize the cameras when I was subbing for the assistant principal. The cameras have come in handy when looking at issues of vandalism, theft, and bullying. We have used them on many occasions.
Building leaders need to understand that the safety and security of students is the utmost important issue to many stakeholders in education. It is critical to the success of the leader. Students cannot learn and achieve if they are coming to school fearing for their safety. I look forward to putting many policies in place as a future leader that will ensure the safety of staff and students.
Artifacts
Safety Committee
Security Committee Meeting Agenda and Notes.pdf (177,7 kB)