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A School That is Working to Protect Students
A School That is Working to Protect Students
Obviously, there has not been a solution discovered that stops school violence. If there was, this website would not exist. Even though there has not yet been a solution identified to combat school violence, there are many strategies and examples of steps in the right direction. One school that has made a lot of progress in the protection of its students is Sandy Hook Elementary, located in Connecticut. After the tragedy that occurred on December 14, 2012, the school never reopened its doors. The school ultimately decided that the building would be completely torn down to honor of the victims. The rebuilt school opened its doors to children again in 2016. This new build "aspires to be a safe, inspiring, and welcoming space that celebrates the town’s natural beauty rather than to evoke one catastrophic event from its 311-year history" (Budds, 2016, p.2).
The ultimate goal of the design was school security. Every decision that was made referred back to four basic design features. Which were deter, detect, delay, and protect. The thing I liked most about this design is that yes, there were a lot of security features that were factored into the design, but you would never know. The school was designed in a way that hid all those features, so it still felt like a school. The students who attended this new Sandy Hook did not feel like they were in a prison or felt like they needed to be fearful (Stott, 2015).
"Our primary goal is to create a nurturing environment for the children that promotes learning and builds community. In your face security features typically degrade that feeling" (Stott, 2015, p. 3).
"Barriers do not help build community, and bars on windows tend not to contribute to a wonderful learning environment" (Stott, 2015, p.4).
One Principle Design Feature:
One Principle Design Feature:
Administrative and office functions were grouped together towards the front of the building and classrooms were grouped towards the back. This allowed for a "screening layer"(Stott, 2015, p.3). All access routes the get to the classrooms have to go through the administrative and office functions grouping in the front of the building. If there was an intruder, access to the back of the building can be denied by electronically closing doors and locking them (Stott, 2015).
Other Safety Features of The New Sandy Hook Elementary:
Setting the building back from the main road which allowed staff to detect any visitors from a distance (Stott, 2015).
Floor to ceiling windows to allow for staff to see anyone that is approaching the school (Weller, 2017).
Reinforced walls and bullet-proof glass (Weller, 2017)
Colorful metal blinds by windows (Weller, 2017).
Surveillance cameras (Weller, 2017).
Segregated and directed traffic patterns which allowed for visitors to be distinguished from unwanted intruders (Stott, 2015).
Multiple checkpoints on way to entrance (Weller, 2017).
Designated drop off locations (Weller, 2017).
Bioswales, which are "angled landscapes that direct storm run-off and keep outside people at a distance" (Weller, 2015, p.4).
Rain garden which allows for safety, but also meets educational needs. This is marshy landscaped area that runs along the entire front of the school. This separates exterior public spaces from the school and limits access points, but also serves as a place the students can go and learn and observe (Stott, 2015).
A School That is Oppressing Students
A School That is Oppressing Students
The more security schools have the less students want to go to school. Students feel like they are being imprisoned.
The more security schools have the less students want to go to school. Students feel like they are being imprisoned.
In 2016 schools in Rochester have metal detectors where each students had to hand in their phones take off their shoes and take out all liquids. It's kind of like airport security. Some students would have liked to see the metal detector money going into more school counselors and more patient teachers. When students are being treated like criminals their grades drop and their trust and safety as well. Metal detectors, surveillance cameras, and school resource officers were added into many different school districts. While these don’t downplay the fact these come from a sincere desire to keep children safe. Most people in power suggest the most effective forms of security are often more invisible. Security cameras may not stop bad behavior but causes it to move elsewhere. For many children in high-crime areas, visible security can increase a desire for self-protection. (Kenworthy, 2016)
"School districts are far more likely to employ intense surveillance methods at schools with a high percentage of students of color, and a study shows those methods are hampering learning." (Kenworthy, 2016, pg. 2)
"School districts are far more likely to employ intense surveillance methods at schools with a high percentage of students of color, and a study shows those methods are hampering learning." (Kenworthy, 2016, pg. 2)
My Brother's Keeper
The New York State My Brother's Keeper initiative seeks to “Change the Narrative of boys and young men of color, and all students, by closing and eliminating the opportunity gaps they face and helping them to reach their full potential" (My brother's keeper, 2023, p.1)
Visit this link to learn more about My Brother's Keeper
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