NATIVE AMERICAN GRANT SCHOOL ASSOCIATION, INC.

Managing Crisis at Your School: Ensuring Calm During the Storm

July 10-12, 2014Presented by:

R. Gehl Tucker, Esq.(GT@h2m2law.com)

Hufford, Horstman, Mongini, Parnell & Tucker, PC

Hufford, Horstman, Mongini, Parnell & Tucker, P.C. © 2014

WHAT IS EVERY SCHOOL’S

#1 PRIORITY?

“There are only two types of school administrators:

Those who have faced a crisis and those who are about to.”

- Ron Stevens, Executive Director, National School Safety Center

“An unprepared school is asking for chaos.”

-Montana

PREVENTING VIOLENT TRAGEDIES

“Today, we are faced with an increase in violence includingassaults and gang activity. We are seeing anincrease in the frequency of substance abuse, selfmutilation, suicide, abandonment of newborn babies,and serious injuries and deaths from automobileaccidents. We are also contending with new types ofviolence including terrorist attacks, hostage-taking,snipers, murders, ‘hit lists,’ threatening graffiti,bomb scares and real bombs.”

-A Practical Guide for Crisis Response in Our Schools © 2003

EARLY WARNING SIGNS

“Violence continues to impact our schools and, in a sense, we shouldconsider all of our students “at-risk.”The purpose of this Infosheet is toassist parents and school personnel in identifying children andadolescents who are at greater risk for engaging in violent behavior.The following checklist of “early warning signs” will facilitateidentification of students who may be in need of intervention. Thegreater the number of items that are checked, the greater the potentialfor violent acting-out behavior. For help, turn to individuals who regularlywork with at-risk children and adolescents—professionals in the fields ofeducation, law enforcement, social services, medicine, mental heath,etc.”

-A Practical Guide for Crisis Response in Our Schools © 2003

CHECKLIST OF EARLY WARNING SIGNSChildren and adolescents at-risk may:

❏ express self-destructive or homicidal ideation❏ express feelings of hopelessness❏ have a history of self-destructive behavior❏ give away possessions❏ articulate specific plans to harm self and/or

others❏ appear withdrawn❏ engage in “bullying” other children❏ evidence significant changes in mood❏ have difficulty with impulse control❏ experience sleep and eating disturbances❏ evidence significant changes in behavior❏ have experienced prior trauma/tragedy❏ engage in substance abuse❏ have been/are victims of child abuse❏ become involved with gangs❏ have experienced a significant loss❏ have been tormented and/or teased by

others

❏evidence a preoccupation with fighting❏ evidence a preoccupation with television❏ have a history of antisocial behavior❏ programs/movies with violent themes❏ evidence a low tolerance for frustration❏ evidence a preoccupation with games with

violent themes❏ externalize blame for their difficulties❏ evidence a preoccupation with guns and other

weapons❏ have harmed small animals❏ have access to a firearm❏ have engaged in fire setting❏ have brought a weapon to school❏ evidence persistent bed wetting❏ evidence frequent disciplinary problems❏ appear/acknowledge feeling depressed❏ exhibit poor academic performance❏ talk about not being around❏ have been frequently truant from school

-A Practical Guide for Crisis Response in Our Schools © 2003

ASSISTING CHILDREN IN THE AFTERMATH OF A TRAGEDY

“The manner in which children react to tragic events is

dependent upon a number of variables includingthe age of the child, personal history, personalityvariables, the severity and proximity of the event,level of social support available and the type and

qualityof intervention. It is important to realize that mostchildren will recover from the effects of a crisis withappropriate support from family, friends, and schoolpersonnel.”-A Practical Guide for Crisis Response in Our Schools © 2003

ASSISTING IN AFTERMATH

The following are suggestions that you can utilize in your effort to assist children.

1. Be aware of your own reactions to the event. 2. Keep yourself available for providing extra attention to your child. 3. Be mindful of the child’s cognitive and emotional functioning level. 4. Use empathic communication by acknowledging, understanding and expressing

an appreciation of your child's experience. 5. Do not speculate and give false information about what has taken place. 6. Monitor exposure to media. 7. Realistically provide reassurance about their safety. 8. Consider the reactions of children with histories of past traumatic experiences,

losses, or emotional disturbance (e.g., depression, anxiety). 9. Make an effort to maintain a “normal” routine. 10. Monitor your own emotional status.

-A Practical Guide for Crisis Response in Our Schools © 2003

COMMON AFTERMATH BEHAVIOR

Regression in Behavior Increase in Fears and Anxiety Decreased Academic Performance and

Poor Concentration Increased Aggression and Oppositional

Behavior, and Decreased Frustration Tolerance

Increased Irritability, Emotional Liability and Depressive Feelings

Denial -A Practical Guide for Crisis Response in Our Schools © 2003

RESOURCE

Schools need to be prepared to address crises that have physical, emotional, social, and spiritual effects on all members of the school community. Only by preparing in advance for potential crises are schools able to come to the immediate aid of affected and vulnerable students, staff, and community members.

RATIONALE

ANTI-HARASSMENT POLICY A. The School is committed to maintaining a work and

educational environment free from all forms of discrimination and harassing conduct. The School expects and requires all employees, students and other members of the School and educational community to conduct themselves in an appropriate manner with concern and respect for all other members of the School community. Discrimination or harassment on the basis of race, national origin, religion, age, sex, gender identification, sexual orientation, socioeconomic status, ability or disability in any form will not be tolerated. Any student or employee in the School who believes he or she has been discriminated against, denied a benefit, or excluded from participation in any School educational program or activity may and is encouraged to file a complaint pursuant to this policy. Any questions regarding this policy should be directed to the Principal or, if the Principal is involved in the matter, the Board President. This policy is in effect in all academic programs, the workplace and in other work/academic related settings such as School-related trips, activities and events.

B. It is the policy of the School to maintain a working and learning environment for students and employees that is free from discrimination or harassment of any kind, including sexual harassment, bullying and hazing. It is a violation of this policy for any member of the School community to discriminate or harass another through conduct or communication as defined in this policy. Any allegation of discrimination or harassment will be investigated and, if a violation of this policy is substantiated, disciplinary action will be taken.

C. Each administrator is responsible for promoting understanding and acceptance of, and assuring compliance with, applicable state and federal laws, tribal and School policy and procedures governing discrimination and harassment.

D. It is the responsibility of every employee, student and parent to recognize acts of discrimination and harassment and take every reasonable action necessary to ensure that the applicable policies and procedures of the School are implemented.

E. It is a violation of this policy for any administrator, teacher, or other employee, or any student to engage in or condone discrimination or harassment in the School or to fail to report or otherwise take reasonable corrective measures when they become aware of an incident of harassment.

F. This policy is not designed or intended to limit the School’s authority to take disciplinary or remedial action when such harassment occurs out of the School but has a nexus to school, or is disruptive to or materially and substantially interferes with an employee’s work, personal life, a student’s school work, or participation in School related opportunities or activities.

Prohibition of Harassment, Intimidation and Bullying

A. Purpose

The Board prohibits acts of harassment, intimidation or bullying. A safe and civil environment in school is necessary for students to learn and achieve high academic standards; harassment, intimidation or bullying, like other disruptive or violent behaviors, is conduct that disrupts both a student’s ability to learn and a school’s ability to educate its students in a safe environment; and since students learn by example, Principals, faculty, staff and volunteers should be commended for demonstrating appropriate behavior, treating others with civility and respect, and refusing to tolerate harassment, intimidation or bullying.

B. Definition of Harassment, Intimidation or Bullying

“Harassment, intimidation or bullying” means any gesture or written, verbal or physical act that takes place on school property, at any school-sponsored function or on a school bus and that:

1. Is motivated by:a. Any actual or perceived characteristic, such as race, color, religion, ancestry, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, or a mental, physical or sensory disability; or,b. Any other distinguishing characteristic; or,c. The desire to or which has the effect of exercising or imposing undue and inappropriate power, authority, influence and/or control over another(s).

2. And which:

a. A reasonable person should know, under the circumstances, that the act(s) will have the effect of harming a student or damaging the student’s property, or placing a student in reasonable fear of harm to his person or damage to his property; or

b. Has the effect of insulting or demeaning any student or group of students in such a way as to cause substantial disruption in, or substantial interference with, the orderly operation of the school or the students’ health, safety and welfare.

SOCIAL MEDIA POLICY - STAFF

1. DefinitionSocial media includes all means of communicating or posting information or content of any sort on the Internet, including to your own or someone else’s web log or blog, journal or diary, personal web site, social networking or affinity web site, web bulletin board or a chat room, whether or not associated or affiliated with the School as well as any other form of electronic communication including the use of cell phones, Smartphones, computers, laptops, eTablets, and all types of similar or future devices. 2. Application These guidelines apply to all School employees to include clerical, maintenance and educational staff, such as: teachers, student teachers, teacher aids, coaching staff, tutors, library personnel, volunteers, board members, contractors, vendors, and students or any similar types of people or those for whom they are responsible, who participate in, create or contribute to any form of social media or any other kind of social networking.

SOCIAL MEDIA POLICY - STAFF

3. General policy Any of your participation in, communicating, communication pursuant to or interaction with any social media or social networking that adversely affects: your job performance; the performance of fellow School staff; any other persons, companies, groups, or families associated with the School; the students; the School, or otherwise disrupts the operation of the School or adversely affects the School’s reputation in the community, shall be grounds for disciplinary action up to and including termination. Inappropriate postings or communication pursuant to social media or social networking of any type, that may include discriminatory remarks, harassment, threats of violence or similar inappropriate or unlawful conduct or postings which may otherwise disrupt the operation of the School shall likewise not be tolerated and may, in addition to being violations of other School policy related to harassment or discrimination, independently subject you to disciplinary action up to and including termination.

SOCIAL MEDIA POLICY - STAFF

General policy (cont.)The lines between public and private, personal and professional are blurred in the digital world. Even when you have a disclaimer or use a different user name, you will always be considered to be a School employee and will be held responsible as such under this policy. Do not denigrate or insult others including students, staff, administration, board members, government, parents, governmental officials, other such persons or other Schools. Do not use ethnic slurs, innuendos, obscenities, violent terminology or any other inappropriate content. Do not post inappropriate photos or other communication that may violate the Family Educational Right to Privacy Act (FERPA), other School policies, community norms, decency norms, or contain material related to drugs or alcohol, or sexually or otherwise inappropriate materials. In your communications, represent the School, students and parents you serve in the best light. Respect the privacy and feelings of others. Under no circumstances should offensive comments be made about students, staff, including administrators, board, or the School in general. In addition to this policy, any such negative comments as noted above may also constitute cyber-bullying or other forms of discrimination or harassment under School policies and be grounds for disciplinary action under those policies. Refrain from commenting on or forwarding unsupported information and rumors. Do not post photos or movies of fellow employees, School activities, or students without the permission of the employees and parents of students.

SOCIAL MEDIA POLICY - STAFF

4. Staff-Student RelationsEmployees are prohibited from establishing personal relationships with students that are unprofessional and thereby inappropriate. Examples of unprofessional relationships include, but are not limited to: employees fraternizing or communicating with students as if employees and students were peers such as writing personal letters or e-mails; “texting” students; calling students on cell phones or allowing students to make personal calls to them unrelated to homework or class work; sending inappropriate pictures to students; discussing or revealing to students personal matters about their private lives or inviting students to do the same (other than professional counseling by a School counselor); and engaging in sexualized dialogue, whether in person, by phone, via the Internet, or in writing. Employees shall not allow a “friend” relationship under Facebook with a student or any other such similar one-on-one electronic or digital relationship. Employees who post information on Facebook, MySpace or similar web sites that include inappropriate personal information such as, but not limited to: provocative photographs, sexually explicit messages, use of alcohol, drugs or anything students are prohibited from doing, or which would be inappropriate for an employee of the School, must understand that if students, parents or employees obtain access to such information and if found to: disrupt School operations or programs; damage the School’s reputation in the community; cause a reasonable reaction that has a negative impact on the School’s operation, their case will be investigated by School officials, and if warranted will be disciplined up to and including termination, depending upon the severity of the offense. Additionally, certified personnel, depending upon the severity of the offense, may have their case forwarded to the appropriate state department for review and possible further sanctions. The Principal or designees reserve the right to periodically conduct Internet searches to determine if employees have posted inappropriate materials online. If inappropriate use of computers and web sites is discovered, the Principal or designees will download the offensive material and promptly take appropriate disciplinary action, up to and including termination of employment.

SOCIAL MEDIA POLICY - STAFF

5. Specific Social Media/Social Networking Policies A. Use of Social Media or Social Networking During Work TimeUnless you have been given express permission to utilize social media or social networking sites for the purposes of the School or education, your use of any social media or social networking from workplace computers at any time is disallowed by this policy. B. Social Networking on Personal Devices (Examples: cell phones, pda’s, tablets, pc’s)Unless otherwise expressly allowed, there will be no communication through social media or social networking activity from personal devices during work time. When employees are on work breaks and lunch, activity is allowed only from devices which do not use this organization’s network. During these times, it is especially important to adhere to the remainder of this policy for an understanding of potential consequences of posting information about our School, its programs, clubs, students, parents, faculty, School Board and volunteers and to further ensure such use is strictly limited and does not go beyond lunch time or break time.

C. Under no circumstance should offensive comments be made about students or colleagues (including administrators) nor the School in general. Do not comment on or forward unsupported information and rumors. Negative comments about people could also amount to cyber-bullying and could be deemed a disciplinary offense. Your posts and comments should help build and support the School community. Always think through any negative consequences before you share School related matters. There is no “un-send” button on our devices.

SOCIAL MEDIA POLICY - STAFF5. Specific Social Media/Social Networking Policies D. The MediaIf a member of the media or non-traditional online media (can include bloggers) contacts a staff member, volunteer, or other agent of the School about the business of the School (e.g. programs, services, students, parents, clubs, policies, practices, or additional business information of any kind), the individual must contact the Principal and immediate supervisor for direction prior to any response. E. Use of School Name or LogoYou may not promote or sell any product or service online or off which would represent the School or bear the School motto, mascot or logo without specific written permission of the Principal and board of the School. The main purposes of this policy are to protect our students, staff, families, Board members and community while ensuring the orderly operation of the School. This policy will be enforced to accomplish these purposes.  

WHAT ARE YOU GOING TO DO ABOUT THIS?