In regards to security, our school requires all students, staff, and faculty to wear identification cards at all times. While the immediate transition to this policy was challenging, it now works well and allows school official to identify who belongs in the school and who does not. In addition, Maine South hires two security guards and places faculty at all unlocked entrances. Moreover, this year a school spirit program called Hawk Pride was established to foster a sense of community through the pillars of Purpose, Respect, Integrity, Dignity, and Empathy. Finally, our school provides a vast offering of extracurricular activities that appeal to a wide variety of interests, allowing many students to become involved.
Parents also play an integral role in preventing school violence.
All parents should take a greater interest in their teen. They need to be involved in the school and they need to support the school's disciplinary code. Finally, parents should both talk to and listen to their teens, telling them that violence is not an answer to their problems. In turn, schools need to provide an active student component by allowing input from students on a variety of subjects including safety. This provides an outlet for teens and a sense of control.