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…

The National Action Plan for the Prevention of Playground Injuries identifies four areas of playground risks that cause most playground injuries and deaths, including inappropriate equipment size for the age of the children, hard surfaces, inadequate supervision, and inadequate maintenance. Parents and school staff must become educated about these…

Describes the importance of developing a school violence prevention and crisis response plan, explaining what an effective plan should include; how to establish a school-based team; essential components of a crisis response plan; how to ensure safety via contingency provisions to the crisis response plan; and how to handle the crisis aftermath. A…

As schools try to do more with less, many PTAs are working with school officials to help improve the school environment. Playground safety is one area where PTAs can make a difference. For example, PTAs can work with schools to schedule volunteers to help with recess supervision. They can also teach children the rules of the playground and how to…

These handouts describe: Working Together for Safer Communities (a PTA program to provide parents with ideas and resources for talking to their children about potential risks, avoiding danger, and responding to threat); tips for parents on helping children be safe; and the Our Children Newsletter, which contains excerpts from the October 2002 Our…

The Internet is a valuable educational tool, but it can expose children to danger through discovery of inappropriate materials and experiences. Protection rests on social and educational strategies to teach responsible and safe use coupled with technology, public policy, and law enforcement to shape the environment in which choice is exercised.…

Presents a brief quiz for parents to see if their child's school building is taking basic steps to ensure a safe learning environment (e.g., Is the building locked? Are strict guidelines in place when students participate in field trips? Is adult supervision always maintained on playgrounds?). Suggested action plans are included. A sidebar offers…

Explains how local PTAs can help with school crisis intervention, focusing on dealing with the public and the media; spreading the word about the National PTA's programs and positions via public relations programs; what to do during a crisis; and how to prepare for press conferences and prepare necessary materials. Finally, the paper discusses the…

Though most people assume that their schools are protected by smoke alarms and sprinkler systems, many are not. Older schools can fall through fire-code loopholes. Some schools have insufficient fire detection systems. Sprinkler systems can be too expensive for schools. Parents should educate themselves and insist on fire safety. (SM)

Describes 10 things parents can do to prevent youth violence locally, including: (1) talk to your children; (2) set clear rules and limits; (30 know the warning signs; (4) know when to intervene; (5) stay involved with the school; (6) join the PTA; (7) organize a community violence prevention forum; (8) develop a school violence prevention/crisis…

Discusses discipline in today's schools, examining common discipline problems, noting the effect of punishment; describing various disciplinary measures (peer mediation, peaceable schools, zero tolerance policies, and corporal punishment); emphasizing the importance of prevention versus punishment; discussing school safety; and highlighting the…