Safe Schools

Goals

• To provide a working and applicable understanding of conflict resolution as an element of school violence prevention.
• Facilitate the integration of social skills development with academic development through the continued use and expansion of the Responsive Classroom.
• Foster a supportive and cooperative learning environment in all classrooms and schools.
• Increase safe and orderly schools through the use of effective conflict management skills and discipline strategies for both students and the adult community.
• Coordinate and develop strategies that allow students to take responsibility for their own behavior through programs such as Peer Mediation, as an alternative to aggressive behaviors
• To reduce the number of students who are referred to the office for disciplinary action.
• To reduce aggressive behaviors between students.
• To improve the overall school climate through improved communication and mutual understanding between individuals.
• To maintain and practice an active and current emergency management plan for all schools.

Philosophy

Integrating practices and skills into the daily academic life of schools that contribute to a safe, supportive and successful school environment. Within the Manchester schools, students' ability to work together has been identified as a primary behavior necessary for creating an ideal learning environment and which enables students to achieve greater success.

The occurrence of conflict is a normal and inevitable element of human relationships. The ability to handle interpersonal conflict constructively and respectfully results in many important, positive outcomes. Foremost among these outcomes is the prevention of violence within our schools, community and society. Alternatives to violence must be taught, practiced and expected at all levels of interaction. When handled in healthy ways conflict provides opportunity for personal growth and better relationships.

Teaching safe schools skills requires a collaborative effort of students, educators, parents and community members willing to role model and reinforce healthy ways of resolving conflict, taking care of others and the school. The role of our schools is to conduct safe schools programs as an integral part of childhood education. Our efforts are guided by the understanding that by enhancing the safety of our schools, students will become more successful and our community will benefit .