When you look at the website for the North Carolina Center for the Prevention of School Violence, you are invited to enter a virtual school violence prevention schematic. I did so, expecting to find a SWAT team-like response to school violence.

What I found instead was a school floor plan that illustrated not how to do a lockdown, but how each and every component of the school has a role to play in keeping our kids safe.

The MMSD Educational Framework speaks to exactly the same concept. By focusing on Learning, Engagement, and Relationships, we bring all of the adult knowledge and concern about school safety to every student.

Relationships that are forged between staff and students make the difference when it comes to students communicating about rumors or facts that may put the school in jeopardy. Recent incidents in our Madison schools regarding weapons were frightening, yet tragedy was averted in all cases because students communicated with staff, or staff was vigilant regarding student behavior.

Consistent messages from adults, whether they are parents, family, neighbors, teachers, mentors, clergy, role models or MTV stars has to focus on teaching non-violent responses to conflicts.

If students are taught to truly respect other people, if they learn how to mediate and problem-solve rather than lashing out and issues of bullying and harassment are dealt with firmly and consistently, then school violence will decline.

If you go into any of our MMSD schools and randomly ask students if they feel safe the answer is almost always a resounding "yes". We, as adults, have communicated clearly to students our interest in doing everything in our power to keep schools safe and orderly and productive.

Students and parents know that we are serious about this mission and we, as educators, know that this work is never done.

Related MMSD Links

• MMSD's Educational Framework