Often, that helps diffuse potential problems, school officials said. In addition, Barnwell said teachers and administrators are very much in-tune when something doesn't seem quite right. We're not afraid to approach our kids. Although Barnwell and high school Principal John Porter say they're concerned about school safety, both agree it's difficult to tread the fine line between ensuring safety and causing widespread panic when instituting crisis response plans. The updated manual may include a plan for students to be sheltered at a nearby church should they need to be evacuated.
Students know the exits through the fire drill procedures.
If the need should arise, counselors are ready to assist by listening to students, staff, and parents, Barnwell said, recounting a tragedy in which a student passed away. It seems we react, but we need to be preventive. The problem with this is, the budget doesn't allow us to do as much preventive work. Kids, some more than others, need help. Joanne McDaniel, research director for the Center for the Prevention of School Violence in Raleigh, N.C., agreed.