On April 20, 1999, two Columbine High School students walked into their school midday and killed 12 students and one teacher. Twenty-one other students were injured. All that had been normal came to an abrupt end. Education leaders in Jefferson County, Colorado, quickly realized they were laying the groundwork for a new normal. Colorado's Jefferson County Public Schools, west of Denver, had long enjoyed its reputation as a nationally renowned large suburban school district. Most of the students graduated, went directly to college or work, and by all accounts built healthy, productive middle-class lives. Despite intermittent struggles with statewide school funding policies and occasional ideological skirmishes amongst local board members, Jeffco had maintained its standing as a lighthouse district. After the tragedy, Colorado's governor, attorney general, and state legislature worked with citizens to enact laws that required school crisis planning, expanded background checks, and restricted the sale of firearms to juveniles. Combined with Jefferson County's focus on the immediate needs of local families and district employees, these collaborative new policies were considered a good omen for building and sustaining partnerships. The Columbine tragedy and the others that have followed have further solidified belief that a strong, effective system grounded in strong, trusting relationships is the linchpin of school violence prevention, response, and recovery. Keeping a keen eye on restoring a sense of community and well being must be at the top of every school crisis task list. And if given the time and attention required, it will prove to be the one best practice that builds a new normal of truly safe and healthy schools.