New Safety Checklist
by Toni Scott

PictureNew Safety Checklist by Toni Scott, Assistant Principal McNeill Elementary School Toni School,
As the leaders, we have to take charge to make sure we are as prepared as we can be for any emergency that arises and are able to think decisively in the moment. As the building leaders, we have to take charge to make sure we are as prepared as we can be for any emergency that arises and are able to think decisively in the moment.

These are the points that really stood out for me regarding areas to improve the safety of the staff and students. 
  • Having those ‘what if’ conversations with staff using the worst case scenarios and practicing those on a more frequent basis will help the adults remain calm in an emergency. Our calmness will alleviate the anxiety levels of the children in an emergency.

  • Although we never think that something as tragic as 9/11 can happen, we have had several conversations regarding a shooter coming in to the school. 

  • We have to as leaders take on the attitude that our safety drills are not just something we have to do as a requirement, but rather they are the preparation we take to make sure all the students and staff are safe at our school in the event of an emergency. When we adopt that mindset, our staff, students, and parents will take the measures we take to ensure safety serious and to heart. Safety has to be planned and practiced just like learning.

  • We should have at least one walkie-talkie available per grade level team/ department in the event we need another form of communication. The district requires that we have another form of communication in the event of emergency, but that is usually a cell phone. If some travesty happens, walkie-talkies are a great tool to check to see if all children and staff are accounted for.  Also, there should be at least one true land line at each campus in the event that cell towers are down like they were on 9/11.

  • Teachers’ class list that they take with them during the drills we practice should include the contact information for the students in the event we cannot return to the building and parents have to be contacted.  That should be a part of the emergency practice.

  • We also need to make sure that we assess and replenish any missing items from the Emergency Go Kits.

  • Make sure that all stakeholders know that the procedures are in place in case emergency situations arise.

  • We need to make sure there is a personal evacuation plan for our special needs students who may need additional assistance.

  • Plan to care for the emotional needs of the students and staff in the event of tragedy
Reflections about Principles for Principals, Leading the Way to School Safety 
New Safety Checklist
By Toni Scott, Assistant Principal McNeill Elementary School 
Lamar Consolidated Independent School District, Richmond, Texas
Link to Reflections About Ada's Story
The Day After 9/11 |  Observations | Be Prepared and Be a Leader | Communication Is Key | New Safety Check List | It's Not a Matter of "if" but "when"
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