This article, part of the special issue of TECHBeat, posted on the JUSTNET.org Web site, discusses development of a new video examining the importance of school administrators, teachers, parents, and other stakeholders, for ensuring safe schools.
Following the murders at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, CT, in December of 2012, new efforts are being focused on the issue of school safety and how to keep children and adults safe in school settings. This article, "It Take a Village ...," is part of the special issue of TECHBeat posted on the JUSTNET.org Web site The article discusses a video produced by the Weapons and Protective Systems Technology Center of Excellence that uses the concept of "it takes a village" to promote the idea of all the stakeholders in the community that are involved in ensuring the safety of schools. The video, "It Can Happen Here," is presented to principals and community leaders to keep them informed about how to prepare for school emergencies. The 60-minute video includes interview with victims' parents, school administrators and local law enforcement; examines several of the mass school shootings that have occurred in the United States and other countries in the past few years; and discusses new technologies that can help law enforcement in emergency situations. The video also provides information on Web site, reference materials, and contacts to assist in the writing and implementation of school safety plans.