School Security

I attended the panel discussion on Sandy Hook and school security last week.  The principal and one of the teachers on the panel were from the school where I do my practicum, so it was definitely interesting to hear the insider information about why the school is run the way it is.  I got some good advice about how to keep my children safe, and the discussion helped me think about a few things I hadn't thought about before with regards to school safety, such as keeping the parents calm.  I know that many parents came to my school on September 11th to claim their children, and I may have to deal with that one day if any kind of calamity or threat occurs during the school day.  I also had not thought much about how non-violent tragedies, such as the death of a teacher or faculty member due to illness, can affect the school community.  These are sensitive issues, especially when discussed with children, and I am grateful to have gotten some advice about them.