Breaking up fights

When arguments between students escalate and erupt into fights, school staff must know how to intervene to stop them and deal with the aggressive students. Nea.org offers the following guidelines:

* Never ignore aggression, because it can quickly grow into violent behavior.
* Go toward the scene of violence, because the presence of an adult can stop the activity.
* Quickly review the situation to determine what has happened, who is there and what will happen.
* Look to see if there are any weapons present.
* In a strong voice, tell students to stop.
* Tell onlookers to leave the area.
* Never get between students who are fighting.
* After the incident, document what happened.
* Support the victims in any way you can and get them the help they need.

Heightened security

In the aftermath of 9/11 and other terrorist attacks, school systems are developing new forms of school security and crisis preparedness to guard against future terrorist acts. National School Safety and Security Services, an Ohio-based consulting firm specializing in school security, offers these security recommendations, according to Eschoolnews.org:

* Review school crisis guidelines and make sure they include lockdown and evacuation procedures, alternative evacuation sites and family reunification procedures.
* Maintain a balanced, common-sense approach to school safety and security. School and safety officials should maintain a heightened awareness for potential spin-off incidents, including bomb threats.
* Review security issues relating to all school staff, including support personnel such as secretaries, custodians and bus drivers.
* Communicate hot lines numbers that students, parents and members of the community can use to report safety and related concerns.
* Use school district call-in lines and web sites to provide ongoing information to the school community.