Dr. Wangari Maathai--"environmentalist, human rights advocate, global peace worker, and community builder"--passed away in 2011. The first African woman to receive the Nobel Peace Prize, Dr. Maathai left a legacy even greater than the 47 million trees that her organization, the Greenbelt Movement, has planted across Kenya since 1977. As…

From 2003 to 2005, fires on school properties cost about $85 million a year. An estimated 14,700 fires required a fire department response: 36 percent were trash fires, 19 percent were fires in open fields, and 43 percent were structural fires. Sometimes, the needs of school security seem to conflict with the requirements of fire safety. In this…

This bulletin provides suggestions for the components of a comprehensive approach to reducing student vandalism on college and university campuses. Numerous facets of the problem are addressed, including: the association of binge drinking with vandalism and school policies that tolerate or even facilitate binge drinking; a school's drinking…

Defines vandalism, explains several types of vandalism, and examines the monetary and social impact of vandalism. (JM)

This report, one of two related volumes, is the work of an Illinois task force on school violence and vandalism. It presents the task force's findings regarding the nature and extent of the problem, a summary of its major recommendations to local districts, and recommendations for state-level consideration. The report begins with an analysis of…

Two school districts reduced both vandalism and lighting costs with low pressure sodium lighting. (Author)

Describes how school-building exteriors and interiors should be designed, built, and renovated to prevent vandalism. (PKP)

Describes the alarm system used by the Memphis (Tennessee) city schools to cut vandalism costs in half. (IRT)

This program resource guide is a compilation of all programs and projects on preventing school violence and vandalism referenced in National School Resource Network (NSRN) materials. The programs cited are described in NSRN trainers' guides, participant guides, technical assistance bulletins, an "Aha" listing, and a compendium. The index is…

At three different elementary schools, a principal--with the help of community, staff, and students--led a behavior committee with the acronym C.A.R.E.S. (cooperation, attitude, respect, effort, and safety). The program of caring and good citizenship reinforces good behavior and promptly takes steps against vandalism. (MLF)

Effective measures to decrease vandalism on the Oswego campus include replacement of damaged items with more resilient materials, the maintenance of communication between campus police and residence hall personnel, and a variety of measures to encourage community ownership and pride. (MLF)

Describes one high school's use of video cameras as a preventive tool in stemming theft and violent episodes within schools. The top 10 design tips for preventing crime on campus are highlighted. (GR)

A San Jose high school's campaign to develop student pride in the school and its appearance includes publicity measures, painting garbage cans in school colors, and cafeteria supervision. Results in diminishing acts of vandalism have been encouraging. (MJL)

Discusses how one high school transformed its restrooms into cleaner and more vandal-resistant environments by automating them. Solutions discussed include installing perforated stainless steel panel ceilings, using epoxy-based paint for walls, selecting china commode fixtures instead of stainless steel, installing electronic faucets and sensors,…

Explores school bathroom vandalism prevention strategies and tips in improving sanitary conditions. Ways of removing temptation from primary bathroom targets are highlighted, including adding warm-air hand dryers and sensor faucets. (GR)