SCHOOL CLIMATE: 
UPDATE ON IMPROVEMENT TARGETS

Goal: By the end of the 1998-99 school year, there will be a 150% increase in the number of students and staff who report that they feel their property is safe in school, as measured by a school-wide climate survey. Progress will be measured by a reduction in reported thefts by staff and students to the principal.

Results: Staff monitors hallways during transitions and the lunch period. There is needed improvement in the supervision of students after school. Students who are actively engaging in clubs are well supervised, but others wander the building unattended and often have to be asked to leave the building. In general, backpacks are not allowed in the classroom. There have been some minor inconsistencies with this. New staff members are being oriented to locked storage spaces. Mr. Holmes is consulted when thefts occur in the building and makes the determination if locker searches, police reports, parental involvement, etc. are required. Victim/offender mediation meetings continue to be available as needed. I am unsure if a cash award was ever given for the recovery of stolen items.

A theft log was established early in the school year. Students were instructed about the theft log and were encouraged to report missing items. Nineteen incidences of stealing were reported throughout the school year. The items varied in value from $5.00 to $400.00. Of the twenty incidents, nine were reported by staff members. A Madison Police Department Citizen Self-Reporting Form was filled out on three occasions. Two items were recovered and returned to rightful owners. Fifteen of the incidents were reported first semester, and four second semester, which may indicate an improvement throughout the school year.