February 15, 2018
by Dr. Bill Hudson, Head of School
I had almost finished my Panther Post article yesterday when I heard the news of the latest school shooting in Florida. My worst fears as an administrator and as a parent were realized as I scrolled through my newsfeed and in the evening as I watched CNN. In light of this tragedy, it is natural to have questions of our own about the safety and security of our beloved children while at school. Tragic as it is, it is important to note that less than one percent of violent deaths are “school associated,” yet such instances do indeed feed our fears.
Very quickly, I made the decision that my initial message written for today would have to wait for another week. Instead, I offer my thoughts about the safety and security of Mounds Park Academy. In my professional assessment, I have confidence in our security measures and great faith in our school community culture. We can never, and should not ever, take anything for granted or let down our guard. There is always room for growth and we are committed to continuous review and improvement. In order to answer any questions, address any concerns, or allay any fears you may have, I offer the following.
Without question, physical safety and security measures in place are crucial for any school. At MPA, there is limited access to the building and all doors are locked from the exterior. The south entrance is locked during the day and visitors must identify themselves through video monitor before being buzzed into the building. The north entrance is locked and monitored throughout the day as well and school grounds are monitored by video cameras placed strategically throughout the exterior and interior of the building. At the beginning and end of the day, when the doors are unlocked, school administrators and staff actively at the doors monitoring. Teachers and staff monitor and supervise areas such as hallways, cafeterias, and the playground and a higher-than-recommended ratio of adults to students is maintained at all times.
However, the greatest vulnerability of any school is human. While we pride ourselves on having a warm and welcoming community, we must also do our part as adults and students to be aware of our surroundings and follow procedures. For instance, a protocol is in place for guests and visitors to sign in at both the north and south entrances and they are required to wear a badge while in the building. Even MPA parents have been issued badges to wear. Teachers and staff have been trained to approach visitors and direct or escort them to the main office to sign in and receive a badge. Many security experts say the most important preventative measure is “see something, say something.” If anyone of us sees something or someone that doesn’t seem “right” or “normal” it must be and is reported.
Safety and security is also dependent on appropriate crisis planning and preparedness training. MPA has a comprehensive emergency preparedness and crisis plan and it is reviewed on a regular basis. As part of that plan, faculty and staff receive annual training and we drill throughout the school year for intruder, weather, and fire emergencies. Faculty and staff also receive regular training and professional development about bullying, mental and behavioral health, cultural competence, and safety, which all play a part in fostering a strong community.
A great deal of research has been done to better understand the profile of a school shooter. Such individuals tend to feel small or insignificant and go about their school lives unheard and disconnected. Depression and a sense of failure or loss are also common. In fact, 78 percent perpetrators of school violence have attempted or talked about suicide. This research points to the importance of fostering a safe, caring school community.
Conflict resolution, character education, and positive interpersonal relationship skills are all important factors that contribute to a positive school culture and climate in order to prevent school violence. In recent years, we have increased staffing and resources for counseling and guidance services that address mental health and promote social and emotional growth. For example, students in grades six through 12 have participated in suicide awareness and prevention education and have been screened for depression. In addition, counselors proactively help students build healthy relationships individually and in class settings.
Clear behavioral expectations help students understand expectations and promote a school and classroom climate of respect. Character education and ethical development occurs at each grade level and division through programs such as the Lower School CHAMP program, Middle School Mind, Person, Action program and the REACH program in Upper School advisory.
Small class size ensures that students are known by teachers and enable students to have confidence that teachers care for them as individuals. With a low student-teacher ratio, it is nearly impossible for any student to fall through the cracks at MPA. As a small school with a clear mission, students have opportunities to discover their passions and form meaningful relationships that lead to a sense of belonging.
In a survey last year, 85 percent of students believe that MPA is a caring community, about the benchmark for independent schools in the Midwest. Eighty four percent say that they are well known by their teachers. In another survey administered in January, 96 percent of Upper School students said their teachers offer help if they are having trouble with something. They also believe that teachers care about their personal needs in addition to their academic needs.
At MPA, we take this topic very seriously. As the leader of this community and as a parent myself, please let me assure you of that. As I walk the hallways each day and interact with our students, parents, faculty, and staff, I feel a profound sense of responsibility for each individual’s safety and well-being. Days like yesterday serve as tragic reminders for all of us to connect deeper, hug longer, and remain steadfast in our commitment to being aware of our surroundings.
