Discusses the danger of unhealthy air in the school environment, describing common problems and how parents and schools can respond. The article focuses on the dangers of mold, pesticides, diesel exhaust, and radon. The three sidebars describe how to promote indoor air quality at school, note how to determine whether the school's air is making…

Describes how schools can help children cope with issues related to divorce, explaining the importance of reaching out to children and families of divorce. The entire school environment can become more open to the needs of such children by de- stigmatizing, de-mystifying, and discussing the issue. A sidebar presents resources that provide…

School environments should foster both learning and self-esteem. Important elements in a good environment are acknowledging students and ensuring that they are accepted by others, having policies that support student growth, fostering student voice in decision making, offering opportunities for self-expression and self-exploration, and creating a…

Commercialism in schools takes many forms, ranging from the overt sale of advertising space to the presence of corporate logos. There are risks to in-school commercialism that parents must understand and deal with. Includes sidebars on PTA positions and a rating scale of in-school commercialism. (SM)

Thirteen suggestions for preventing the growing problem of peer cruelty at school include: adopt a schoolwide character education effort; create a classroom community; allow children to help set rules; teach empathy; practice cooperative learning; allow children of different ages to work together; teach social skills to end victimization; empower…

Most effective schools share a number of key characteristics, including clear-cut goals and objectives, adequate funding and financial management, quality academic programs, valid assessment programs, parent and family involvement, teacher and staff development, high expectations for students, community involvement, comprehensive support services,…