As a group, the chiefs of many of the region's private schools decided against responding to questions submitted to all the region's schools by The Inquirer for publication in this year's Report Card on the Schools. Other schools give wide publicity to detailed measures and their attempts to help at-risk youngsters as well as prevent violent crime. The checklist in the Abington district in Montgomery County runs long - at least 50 programs and strategies to keep students out of trouble and the schools safe. Like McCaffery, other school officials say that although they go to great lengths to make their schools safe, there is no fail-safe plan. I don't think I'd ever say I'm done trying to do that.
Many schools give credit to the vigilance of their teachers.
And many school chiefs in the public and the private realms make the point that focusing on the well-being of each and every student does more to enhance the safety of all students in the school than locked doors or security cameras. That's one way the school is made safe for students. The rules are followed firmly, fairly and friendly with consistency to all.