Why? Because...

It is wonderful to know that schools will be fully open in the fall! It has taken a lot of hard work and dedication on everyone’s part to make it through the pandemic. None of us has come through unscathed, but hopefully, we have come through stronger.

Nearly 20 years ago, in 2002, our state legislature first called for districts and schools to develop comprehensive safety plans as a response to the 9/11 tragedy. Although I doubt that anyone foresaw anything like COVID, at that time, with SSB 5543, the Legislature did recognize that such safety plans for each public school were of paramount importance to help to assure that our schools would be able to provide the safest possible learning environment for all students. That bill became RCW 28A.320.125. Over the years, the RCW has been modified and adapted to changing times, recognizing and planning around a wide range, variety, and intensity of risks, threats, and hazards.

Keep in mind that comprehensive school safety planning is not a stand-alone activity. In developing plans, the process is more important than the product. That process needs to consider SEL, to take an MTSS approach, and to be built with an inclusive, equity lens. There is not a cookie-cutter template to be filled in.

As we grow stronger, it is an excellent time to revisit comprehensive school safety. It is time to revisit our district and individual school safety plans. And aside from the law, it is also a good time to consider the answers to the bottom-line questions, “Why we do them? School safety? So what? Why is this so important?”

This is so important because of our kids. It is because of our students. Our future. It is because a safe and secure learning environment impacts attendance, achievement, and overall success in school. It is because we need to provide the safest possible learning environment for each and every student.

Comprehensive safety planning is important because Sean has a hard time maneuvering his wheelchair around the halls. Because Mrs. Jones says that her daughter is being bullied so she keeps her home. Because Casey is the only openly gay student at school and has had some threats. It is important because after a small earthquake, people are too afraid to go back into their old building. Because Suzie’s ‘boyfriend’ makes her work at night; she’s often just too tired to go to school. Because there was a bomb scare posted on ask.fm; a lot of kids at school saw it and stayed home. Because it snowed, and the bus can’t make it up Mark’s slippery hill. Because someone’s mom was out too late last night, and she just couldn’t get the kids up today. And because Tariq wears a turban, and other kids try to pull it off.

Safety planning is important because after the heavy rains, a landslide blocked the road on Mel’s street. Because there was an online threat to blow up “CHS” last week, and about half the students at a dozen or more schools stayed home. Because the principal said that there would be a drill today, so Ginny stayed home. Because there were reports of an active shooter in the area this morning. Because Robbie wanted to go to school, but he was hurt so badly during hazing he couldn’t do so for a couple days. Because Tina’s boyfriend threatened to beat her after he saw her talking to another boy. Because suicides are up. Because Pablo’s parents often keep their kids home; they’re undocumented and afraid of being arrested, and the kids will come home to an empty house. Because nobody knows where Malia is. And because Yuki has nasty bruises almost every Monday; she’s out again.

School safety planning is important because Roy is a radicalized youth on a mission. Because Les skips 3rd and 4th period daily, doing ‘things’ with other kids for spending money. Because some old chemicals spilled, the school still stank, and some kids got sick. Because gang activity in her neighborhood means Sandra can’t leave home for fear of violence. Because Jimmy is coming back to his school after several months in juvenile detention. Because a student was embarrassed and scared because sexted pictures were shared. Because Ronnie’s parents do not have proof of his immunization status. And because Missy lives in a car, and she can’t shower every day.

School safety planning is important because well over one million young people in our state are just now emerging from a traumatic pandemic year.

You may know many of these young people. And others. I do, too.

They are why we do comprehensive safety planning.

Thank you for all you do every day for every one of your students.