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Oct.
21, 2002 (Lexington, Ky.) -- Students who
feel safe are free to learn. This is apparent every
day in Kentucky classrooms where our educators work
hard to make sure "no child is left behind,"
said Doris Settles, Kentucky Center for School Safety
(KCSS) clearinghouse coordinator.
But they can't do it alone, added Settles, who coordinates
the clearinghouse on the University of Kentucky campus.
The KCSS clearinghouse is coordinating Kentucky's
Safe Schools Week.
Safe Schools Week, set for Oct. 20-26, is a time
for students, parents, educators and community members
to join and acknowledge that "safe schools begin
with me," Settles commented.
Kentucky Gov. Paul Patton recently proclaimed Safe
Schools Week, and KET Star Channel 703 rebroadcast
the proclamation event for schools to tape and air
at their discretion. Dates and times are available
at www.kysafeschools.org.
In the broadcast, Gov. Patton, with Kentucky public
school students and other dignitaries, signs and recites
a pledge against school violence that acknowledges
the role each of us play in preventing violence in
schools.
The pledge asks community members, parents, educators
and students alike to make the following commitments:
-- Understand that guns have no place in school or
in disputes;
-- Refuse to participate in or tolerate bullying
or violent behaviors; and
-- Have the courage to break the code of silence.
"National studies prove that schools are safe
places to be," Settles said. "Kentucky teachers
and administrators make every effort to create caring
environments for their students throughout the Commonwealth,
but there is more that needs to be done. The KCSS
encourages all citizens of the Commonwealth to come
together and focus on awareness, prevention and cooperation
during the 2002 Kentucky Safe Schools Week."
Involving youth in prevention efforts is a crucial
piece of the school safety puzzle. To create youth-led
community events, the KCSS is again collaborating
with the state's 195 Family, Career and Community
Leaders of America (FCCLA) chapters with more than
9,800 student members.
In 1999, FCCLA implemented a national program, STOP
the Violence, which focuses on teaching awareness
and preventing violence in schools.
Local FCCLA chapters will collaborate with community
organizations and schools at all levels to implement
community events. "At the elementary schools,
we will set up a booth during the PTO Parents' Night
so students can sign the anti-violence pledges with
their parents," said Alisha Perry, president
of the Crittenden County High School FCCLA Chapter.
These events focus on creating a positive, proactive
response to safe school issues. Events sponsored by
FCCLA chapters reflect originality and commitment:
-- Morton Middle School in Fayette County is focusing
on anti-bullying activities with an assembly, ribbons
and pledges, and "Random Acts of Kindness"
rewards;
-- Campbell County is passing out "hug"
candies, reminding them to give "hugs" instead
of "hurts;"
-- Safe Schools Week in Caverna Independent will
focus on a different theme each day: Patriotic Day,
Pledge Against Violence Day, Blue Ribbon Day, Salute
Law Enforcement Day (by presenting them with a certificate
of appreciation and baked goods), School Spirit Day,
and culminating with Saturday Family Day (families
are encouraged to plan a fun activity together);
-- McLean, Fleming, Magoffin and Caverna Independent
Schools are collaborating with their local newspapers
to distribute a tabloid with advice and information
about safe and effective schools; and
-- Pledge Dances, Community Forums, Peace Gardens
and many other innovative events.
"Maybe just one life was saved, one injury prevented
or one thought of violence never conceived by the
small deeds of awareness during Safe Schools Week,"
said Kelly Freels, a member of the McLean County High
School FCCLA Chapter. "The KCSS applauds the
efforts of individuals and districts that make Kentucky
schools safe learning environments."
Kentucky's observance of Safe Schools Week complements
a national campaign sponsored by the National School
Safety Center. The national pledge against gun violence
week also corresponds with the Safe Schools Week in
Kentucky.
For more information, visit www.kysafeschools.org.
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