School Safety Reminders: be aware of your responsibilites

MESPA Home > Resources for Principal Leadership > Best Practice articles

Kraig Konietzko

Best Practices in School Culture Leadership (October 2007)

Kraig Konietzko, principal
Moose Lake Elementary School, Moose Lake

As building principals it is our responsibility to ensure that our schools are as safe as possible for students, staff, and parents. This is the time of the school year to review your district’s crisis plan if you haven’t done so. If you are a new principal, it’s critical that you know what is expected of you when you are faced with a medical emergency or a dangerous situation. This is one of the most important roles you could potentially face during your principal tenure.

Revised drill requirements: We should all be aware that we are now required to conduct and participate in five fire drills, five lockdowns/evacuations, and a tornado drill during this school year. This change was enacted a few years back as the threat dynamics to our buildings have changed. Fire drill requirements have significantly gone down and we are now required to practice different types of lockdowns and evacuations. Keep in mind that there is a statewide tornado drill during “Severe Weather Awareness Week” in the second week of April.

Compliance: It’s critical that principals work closely with school custodians and local law enforcement so our facilities, operating equipment, safety mechanisms, and procedures are in compliance and functioning in working order. It is also a good practice to visit your evacuation locations and go through scenarios that might be unforeseen or unpredictable during a time of crisis. We should not diminish the importance of “preparedness” when dealing with all the potential issues that could arise with staff and student safety.

Updated procedures: If your district is currently reviewing and updating its crisis plan and emergency procedures I suggest that you look through the August 2005 state adopted “Emergency Planning and Procedures Guide for Schools” developed by the Minnesota Department of Public Safety and the Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Management. This comprehensive document can be used as a general guide and be customized for your own district’s needs. The document encompasses the necessary components building leaders need when putting together their own adopted crisis plan.

AEDs: If your district is like mine you may be looking into the purchase of Automated External Defibrillators (AED) for life threatening cardiac situations. After some hands-on training, these portable or accessible mounted units are designed for individuals to immediately administer care to cardiac arrhythmia victims. AED’s provide step-by-step directions and are fully automatic when in use. There are many vendors to choose from and you may be able to use your district’s Health and Safety funds to assist in the purchase.

Bullying: We must always remember that student bullying is the most potential student safety concern that can occur each school day. Bullying is an on-going issue that we have to deter on a daily basis. It’s critical that we work collaboratively and continuously with parents, school employees, and students on these issues. Everyone needs to be educated on the effects of bullying, the importance of reporting bullying occurrences, and the positive results of adult intervention.

Safe Schools Week: Remember that “America's Safe Schools Week” is the week of October 21-27. This may be an opportunity for you to initiate school wide programs, have classrooms focus on various safety issues, as well as practice your necessary crisis drills. Having a proactive safe school focus will make for a healthy learning and working environment today and in the future. Be sure to check the following Web site for more useful information and free safety resources that you might be able to utilize for your school safety program: www.schoolsafety.us/

Mission: The Minnesota Elementary School Principals' Association is dedicated to promoting and improving education for children and youth, strengthening the role as educational leader for elementary and middle level principals, and collaborating with partners in education to assist in achieving these goals.

Leading schools toward excellence through the MESPA vision to be the premiere resource for preparing today's principals for tomorrow and a strong leading voice for public education.

Minnesota Elementary School Principals' Association

1667 North Snelling Avenue, St. Paul, MN 55108

651.999.7310 MN toll free 800.642.6807

Fax: 651.999.7311 E-mail: mespa@mespa.net