On Edge: Recent School Safety Incidents Shake Parents
Recent incidents have once again brought the issue of school safety to the forefront, underscoring the delicate balance schools and communities must strike between providing secure environments for learning and preserving an open, welcoming atmosphere. Despite concerted efforts and improved security measures, these incidents remind us that concerns about safety persist. Intruders at Auburn Riverside […]
Worcester County Board of Education Responds to Letter from Sheriff and State’s Attorney: JDLR!
In its statement, the Board of Education of Worcester County said: “It is important that everyone understand that it is this Board’s opinion that this is not a matter of “truth” vs. “fiction” but rather a clear breakdown in communication between the Sheriff, State’s Attorney, and school system’s Executive Team. This needs immediate attention and […]
Transforming Education: A Journey Towards Safer Schools
In today’s ever-changing educational landscape, the pursuit of safe and productive learning environments has never been more critical. I’m John Huber, and with over 15 years of dedicated experience as a school administrator, my journey has been dedicated to shaping schools into places where students not only learn but thrive. Building Strong Foundations in School […]
The Challenge of School Safety: Reporting, Reality, and Responsibility in Worcester County, MD
In recent news, Worcester County’s top law enforcement officials, State’s Attorney Kris Heiser and Sheriff Matt Crisafulli, have expressed concerns about the safety of our local schools. These concerns revolve around what they’ve identified as a “consistent lack of notification to law enforcement about criminal activity and delinquent acts occurring at school or by students.” […]
Controversial Consequences: The Disengagement and Voter Suppression Impact of School Suspensions
Suspending students from school for misbehavior can make it more likely that they disengage, not just from school but perhaps also from civic life as adults. A new study presented at the Society for Research on Educational Effectiveness meeting finds that students suspended once or twice in high school were more than 16 percent less […]
Controversial Decision: Judge Rules on Gender Identity Clash in Wisconsin School District
A recent development in Wisconsin involves a state judge’s decision to invalidate a school district’s informal practice of acknowledging a student’s desire to transition to a different gender identity, including adopting a new name and pronouns, even when parental consent was lacking and despite parental objections. This ruling is part of a larger context of […]
Administrators need to Build Relationships with students Too: Here are Some Strategies:
As a seasoned school administrator, I’ve witnessed firsthand the transformative power of building strong relationships with students. The impact of these connections extends far beyond the classroom, shaping the school’s culture and student success. Much has been written and said about the need for teachers to develop relationships with students Too often, however, we ignore […]
Education or Exclusion: The Battle Over Stricter Student Suspension Laws
Across various states in the USA, a growing concern is the handling of school discipline, which has seen notable changes in recent times. One noteworthy incident involved a ninth-grade student in Kentucky who, after being suspended for making violent threats against fellow students, returned to school as soon as the suspension period ended. This situation […]
Enhancing School Safety: Worcester County Adopts Comprehensive Protocols
The safety of our students and school communities has become a paramount concern in today’s world. In response to such incidents, Worcester County Public Schools (WCPS) in Maryland has recently announced a set of new school safety protocols based on the Standard Response and Reunification Protocols developed by the “I Love U Guys” Foundation. The […]
Unmasking Disruptive Behavior: The Reality That Not All Students Harbor Hidden Problems
In a recent article published in Educational Leadership Magazine, Carla Shalaby presents her perspective on the challenges schools face in dealing with student behavior issues, particularly in the context of an increasingly stressful and unsafe world. While her proposed solutions aim to create a safe, inclusive, and caring environment, they may overlook the impact of […]