Cecil Jenkins' Making Schools Safer

Who is Accountable?

Our children are looking at the adults for their protection but not many individuals are held accountable for the lack of protection for our school children. The parents trust the school policymakers but too many school policymakers do not want to talk about safety and security issues. Americans also listens to school policymakers and deem schools as not needing assistance in making schools safer. Therefore, it is easy to ignore the problem.

Based on my experience of working for over 28 years in school safety and security in four different decades, the lack of protection for our school children is an issue in America. There is no single solution but a national foundation for establishing safer schools including the proper standards and training for school safety and security executives and officers is a start in the right direction. Also, policymakers and the public need to learn the different between a school resource officer employed by a city or county government, a school district employed police officer, a school district employed security officer, and a security guard employed by a security agency.

Again, I worked over 28 years in four different decades, not 2 or 3 hours for 2 or 3 years, but 8 hours a day for over 28 years. While working, I dialogued with teachers, students, parents, school principals, secretaries, custodians, cafeteria workers, emergency responders, and others. Facebook is not a good mechanism to offer more solutions but there are solutions to making schools safer and it is up to concerned individuals to hold policymakers accountable.

You Make the Call

With about 30 years in school safety and security in four different decades, I am an advocate for safer schools. But today I want to discuss gun violence. Some people say that better regulation of fi****ms will not help prevent violent crimes. According to the CDC, diseases that are spread to people by mosquitoes include the Zika virus, West Nile virus, Chikungunya virus, dengue, and malaria. In this case, the source that causes harm and death to people is the mosquitoes.

In gun violence, it is the bullets from fi****ms that are causing harm and death. It does not matter if it is a man or beast operating the firearm, it is the bullets from the rifle or handgun that are causing the harm. It will seem reasonable to say that the problem is the person, if those individuals beat to death about 30,000 Americans each year, as the number that are killed by fi****ms use.

Also, some politicians claim to be so concerned about law enforcement officers. Consider the policy that requires the first officer or team on the scene of an active shooting to terminate the threat. It may be difficult when many officers’ effective firing range is about 25 feet and up to 16 rounds per load and the firearm that is operated by a suspect has an effective firing range of about 600 feet and 30 round per load.

Furthermore, consider a round fired by an officer from 100 feet away from the suspect, it may not be effective. It was reported that the bullets from one of the rifles that was used in two recent mass shootings tore some of the victim bodies beyond recognition and a report stated that bullets fired from that rifle went through metal file cabinets and metal doors.

Would better regulation of fi****ms help prevent violent crimes; you make the call. I have much more to say about making schools safer.

Supporting Children and Adolescents During COVID-19
(National Center for Child Traumatic Stress, July 22, 2020)

What Makes the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency UNIQUE?
• Invisible threat (who is infected?)
• Ambiguous threat (how bad will this get?)
• Uncertain future (how long will this last?)
• Global threat (no community is “safe”)

Quotes from children (National Center for Child Traumatic Stress Network)
Child #1
“It is not going good. My mom’s getting stressed out. My mom is realy getting confused. We took a break so my mom can figure this stuff out and I’m telling you it is not going good”

Child #2
Child: Mommy, after the germs are gone I still don’t want to go anywhere.
Mom: Why Baby?
Child: Because I want to stay here with you forever.

Helping Children with Specific Worries & Reactions
• Worry
• Negative thoughts
• Clingy behaviors
• Sleep difficulties
• Physical reactions (racing heart, stomachaches, headaches)
• Lost enjoyment in activities
• Frustration and irritability
• Difficulty with attention and concentration

Assisting Families with COVID-19 (National Center for Child Traumatic Stress Network)
• Start the Conversation
o Address misinformation and misperceptions
o Address potential racism
• Validate feelings
• Discuss what is being done to keep people safe
• Let kids be kids!
• Discuss what families can do
o Good hygiene
o Cough/Sneeze protocol
o Mask/Cloth face covering
o Appropriate social distancing

Supporting Children with COVID-19 (National Center for Child Traumatic Stress Network)
• Minimize media exposure
• Create a routine, building in calm/quiet time
• Know common reactions
• Take a break
• Provide reassurance
• Stay connected
• Address missed developmental milestones
• Be a positive role model

Attending to Your Own Care
Awareness
• Be aware of how you are reacting to the uncertainty/pandemic.
• Understand how you react to stress (overworking, overeating, ignoring your feelings)
• Monitor your body and level of stress.
• Talk to a professional if your stress affects your life and relationships.

Balance
• Diversify tasks and take breaks even during workday.
• Take time to reflect on your experiences.
• Engage in well-being activities outside of work. Do something that makes you laugh, relax, or have fun.
• Eat sensibly, exercise regularly, and get enough sleep.

Connection
• Connect regularly with co-workers, family, friends, and community.
• Use meditation, prayer, gratitude's, or relaxation to connect with yourself.
• Create work limits, disconnect from professional role and email.
• Celebrate successes!

More information:
Webinar July 22, 2020 - Supporting Children and Adolescents During COVID-19 (cdc.gov)

In the News: Students Want More Opportunities to Connect With Teachers During the Pandemic As we celebrate this unusual holiday season and prepare to welcome a new year, we are finding new, creative ways to virtually connect with our families, friends, and school communities. The follow…

COVID-19 ("Coronavirus") Information and Resources for Schools and School Personnel
Health officials are currently taking steps to prevent the introduction and spread of COVID-19 ("Coronavirus") into communities across the United States. Schools can play an important role in this effort.
Through collaboration and coordination with State and local health departments, State and local educational agencies, other education officials, and elected officials, schools can disseminate critical information about the disease and its potential transmission to students, families, staff, and community. Schools can prepare to take additional steps to prevent the spread of COVID-19, should State and local health officials identify such a need.
Additional Resources for Elementary and Secondary Schools: https://www.ed.gov/coronavirus

World Health Organization (WHO) Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) advice for the public: Myth busters
COVID-19 virus can be transmitted in areas with hot and humid climates
From the evidence so far, the COVID-19 virus can be transmitted in ALL AREAS, including areas with hot and humid weather. Regardless of climate, adopt protective measures if you live in, or travel to an area reporting COVID-19. The best way to protect yourself against COVID-19 is by frequently cleaning your hands. By doing this you eliminate viruses that may be on your hands and avoid infection that could occur by then touching your eyes, mouth, and nose.
Are hand dryers effective in killing the new coronavirus?
No. Hand dryers are not effective in killing the 2019-nCoV. To protect yourself against the new coronavirus, you should frequently clean your hands with an alcohol-based hand rub or wash them with soap and water. Once your hands are cleaned, you should dry them thoroughly by using paper towels or a warm air dryer.
Can spraying alcohol or chlorine all over your body kill the new coronavirus?
No. Spraying alcohol or chlorine all over your body will not kill viruses that have already entered your body. Spraying such substances can be harmful to clothes or mucous membranes (i.e. eyes, mouth). Be aware that both alcohol and chlorine can be useful to disinfect surfaces, but they need to be used under appropriate recommendations.
Do vaccines against pneumonia protect you against the new coronavirus?
No. Vaccines against pneumonia, such as pneumococcal vaccine and Haemophilus influenza type B (Hib) vaccine, do not provide protection against the new coronavirus.
The virus is so new and different that it needs its own vaccine. Researchers are trying to develop a vaccine against 2019-nCoV, and WHO is supporting their efforts.
Although these vaccines are not effective against 2019-nCoV, vaccination against respiratory illnesses is highly recommended to protect your health.
Does the new coronavirus affect older people, or are younger people also susceptible?
People of all ages can be infected by the new coronavirus (2019-nCoV). Older people, and people with pre-existing medical conditions (such as asthma, diabetes, heart disease) appear to be more vulnerable to becoming severely ill with the virus.
WHO advises people of all ages to take steps to protect themselves from the virus, for example by following good hand hygiene and good respiratory hygiene.
Are antibiotics effective in preventing and treating the new coronavirus?
No, antibiotics do not work against viruses, only bacteria.
The new coronavirus (2019-nCoV) is a virus and, therefore, antibiotics should not be used as a means of prevention or treatment.
However, if you are hospitalized for the 2019-nCoV, you may receive antibiotics because bacterial co-infection is possible.
MORE …. https://www.who.int/emergencies/diseases/novel-coronavirus-2019/advice-for-public/myth-busters

COVID-19 ("Coronavirus") Information and Resources for Schools and School Personnel | U.S. Department of Education Health officials are currently taking steps to prevent the introduction and spread of COVID-19 ("Coronavirus") into communities across the United States. Schools can play an important role in this effort.

Guidance for Schools and Childcare Programs – Before and During an Outbreak
1. Encourage your staff or community members to protect their personal health.
2. Post the signs and symptoms of COVID-19:
fever, cough, shortness of breath.
3. Encourage people to stay home when sick.
4. Clean surfaces that are frequently touched – things such as shared desks, countertops, kitchen areas, electronics, and doorknobs.
5. Limit events and meetings that require close contact.
6. Stay up to date on developments in your community.
7. Create an emergency plan for possible outbreak.
8. Assess if community members are at higher risk and plan accordingly.
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/community/schools-childcare/index.html

Keeping the home safe, encourage your family members to…
All households
• Clean hands at the door and at regular intervals
• Create habits and reminders to avoid touching their face and cover coughs and sneezes
• Disinfect surfaces like doorknobs, tables, and handrails regularly
• Increase ventilation by opening windows or adjusting air conditioning
Households with sick family members
• Give sick members their own room if possible, and keep the door closed
• Have only one family member care for them
• Consider providing additional protections or more intensive care for household members over 65 years old or with underlying conditions
Households with vulnerable seniors or those with significant underlying conditions. Significant underlying conditions include heart, lung, kidney disease; diabetes; and conditions that suppress the immune system
• Have the healthy people in the household conduct themselves as if they were a significant risk to the person with underlying conditions. For example, wash hands frequently before interacting with the person, such as by feeding or caring for the person
• If possible, provide a protected space for vulnerable household members
• Ensure all utensils and surfaces are cleaned regularly
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/downloads/workplace-school-and-home-guidance.pdf

Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) - Resources for K-12 Schools and Childcare Programs Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) - Resources for K-12 Schools and Childcare Programs

Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19)
Talking with children about Coronavirus Disease 2019: Messages for parents, school staff, and others working with children
As public conversations around coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) increase, children may worry about themselves, their family, and friends getting ill with COVID-19. Parents, family members, school staff, and other trusted adults can play an important role in helping children make sense of what they hear in a way that is honest, accurate, and minimizes anxiety or fear. CDC has created guidance to help adults have conversations with children about COVID-19 and ways they can avoid getting and spreading the disease.
Remain calm and reassuring.
• Remember that children will react to both what you say and how you say it. They will pick up cues from the conversations you have with them and with others.
Make yourself available to listen and to talk.
• Make time to talk. Be sure children know they can come to you when they have questions.
Avoid language that might blame others and lead to stigma.
• Remember that viruses can make anyone sick, regardless of a person’s race or ethnicity. Avoid making assumptions about who might have COVID-19.
Pay attention to what children see or hear on television, radio, or online.
• Consider reducing the amount of screen time focused on COVID-19. Too much information on one topic can lead to anxiety.
Provide information that is honest and accurate.
• Give children information that is truthful and appropriate for the age and developmental level of the child.
• Talk to children about how some stories on COVID-19 on the Internet and social media may be based on rumors and inaccurate information.
Teach children everyday actions to reduce the spread of germs.
• Remind children to stay away from people who are coughing or sneezing or sick.
• Remind them to cough or sneeze into a tissue or their elbow, then throw the tissue into the trash.
• Discuss any new actions that may be taken at school to help protect children and school staff.
(e.g., increased handwashing, cancellation of events or activities)
• Get children into a handwashing habit.
o Teach them to wash their hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after blowing their nose, coughing, or sneezing; going to the bathroom; and before eating or preparing food.
o If soap and water are not available, teach them to use hand sanitizer. Hand sanitizer should contain at least 60% alcohol. Supervise young children when they use hand sanitizer to prevent swallowing alcohol, especially in schools and childcare facilities.
MORE…………

Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a virus (more specifically, a coronavirus) identified as the cause of an outbreak of respiratory illness first detected in Wuhan, China.

Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19)
Know How it Spreads
• There is currently no vaccine to prevent coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).
• The best way to prevent illness is to avoid being exposed to this virus.
• The virus is thought to spread mainly from person-to-person.
o Between people who are in close contact with one another (within about 6 feet).
o Through respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs or sneezes.
• These droplets can land in the mouths or noses of people who are nearby or possibly be inhaled into the lungs.
Take steps to protect yourself
Clean your hands often
• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds especially after you have been in a public place, or after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing.
• If soap and water are not readily available, use a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol. Cover all surfaces of your hands and rub them together until they feel dry.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
Cover coughs and sneezes
• Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze or use the inside of your elbow.
• Throw used tissues in the trash.
• Immediately wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not readily available, clean your hands with a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol.
Wear a facemask if you are sick
• If you are sick: You should wear a facemask when you are around other people (e.g., sharing a room or vehicle) and before you enter a healthcare provider’s office. If you are not able to wear a facemask (for example, because it causes trouble breathing), then you should do your best to cover your coughs and sneezes, and people who are caring for you should wear a facemask if they enter your room.
• If you are NOT sick: You do not need to wear a facemask unless you are caring for someone who is sick (and they are not able to wear a facemask). Facemasks may be in short supply and they should be saved for caregivers.
MORE Information …….

Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) – Prevention & Treatment The best way to prevent COVID-19 infection is to avoid exposure to this virus and use healthy habits.

COVID-19 ("Coronavirus") Information and Resources for Schools and School Personnel
Health officials are currently taking steps to prevent the introduction and spread of COVID-19 ("Coronavirus") into communities across the United States. Schools can play an important role in this effort.
Through collaboration and coordination with State and local health departments, State and local educational agencies, other education officials, and elected officials, schools can disseminate critical information about the disease and its potential transmission to students, families, staff, and community. Schools can prepare to take additional steps to prevent the spread of COVID-19, should State and local health officials identify such a need.
Additional Resources for Elementary and Secondary Schools: https://www.ed.gov/coronavirus
World Health Organization (WHO) Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) advice for the public: Myth busters
COVID-19 virus can be transmitted in areas with hot and humid climates
From the evidence so far, the COVID-19 virus can be transmitted in ALL AREAS, including areas with hot and humid weather. Regardless of climate, adopt protective measures if you live in, or travel to an area reporting COVID-19. The best way to protect yourself against COVID-19 is by frequently cleaning your hands. By doing this you eliminate viruses that may be on your hands and avoid infection that could occur by then touching your eyes, mouth, and nose.
Are hand dryers effective in killing the new coronavirus?
No. Hand dryers are not effective in killing the 2019-nCoV. To protect yourself against the new coronavirus, you should frequently clean your hands with an alcohol-based hand rub or wash them with soap and water. Once your hands are cleaned, you should dry them thoroughly by using paper towels or a warm air dryer.
Can spraying alcohol or chlorine all over your body kill the new coronavirus?
No. Spraying alcohol or chlorine all over your body will not kill viruses that have already entered your body. Spraying such substances can be harmful to clothes or mucous membranes (i.e. eyes, mouth). Be aware that both alcohol and chlorine can be useful to disinfect surfaces, but they need to be used under appropriate recommendations.
Do vaccines against pneumonia protect you against the new coronavirus?
No. Vaccines against pneumonia, such as pneumococcal vaccine and Haemophilus influenza type B (Hib) vaccine, do not provide protection against the new coronavirus.
The virus is so new and different that it needs its own vaccine. Researchers are trying to develop a vaccine against 2019-nCoV, and WHO is supporting their efforts.
Although these vaccines are not effective against 2019-nCoV, vaccination against respiratory illnesses is highly recommended to protect your health.
Does the new coronavirus affect older people, or are younger people also susceptible?
People of all ages can be infected by the new coronavirus (2019-nCoV). Older people, and people with pre-existing medical conditions (such as asthma, diabetes, heart disease) appear to be more vulnerable to becoming severely ill with the virus.
WHO advises people of all ages to take steps to protect themselves from the virus, for example by following good hand hygiene and good respiratory hygiene.
Are antibiotics effective in preventing and treating the new coronavirus?
No, antibiotics do not work against viruses, only bacteria.
The new coronavirus (2019-nCoV) is a virus and, therefore, antibiotics should not be used as a means of prevention or treatment.
However, if you are hospitalized for the 2019-nCoV, you may receive antibiotics because bacterial co-infection is possible.
MORE …. https://www.who.int/emergencies/diseases/novel-coronavirus-2019/advice-for-public/myth-busters

COVID-19 ("Coronavirus") Information and Resources for Schools and School Personnel | U.S. Department of Education Health officials are currently taking steps to prevent the introduction and spread of COVID-19 ("Coronavirus") into communities across the United States. Schools can play an important role in this effort.

Guidance for Schools and Childcare Programs – Before and During an Outbreak
1. Encourage your staff or community members to protect their personal health.
2. Post the signs and symptoms of COVID-19:
fever, cough, shortness of breath.
3. Encourage people to stay home when sick.
4. Clean surfaces that are frequently touched – things such as shared desks, countertops, kitchen areas, electronics, and doorknobs.
5. Limit events and meetings that require close contact.
6. Stay up to date on developments in your community.
7. Create an emergency plan for possible outbreak.
8. Assess if community members are at higher risk and plan accordingly.
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/community/schools-childcare/index.html
Keeping the home safe, encourage your family members to…
All households
• Clean hands at the door and at regular intervals
• Create habits and reminders to avoid touching their face and cover coughs and sneezes
• Disinfect surfaces like doorknobs, tables, and handrails regularly
• Increase ventilation by opening windows or adjusting air conditioning
Households with sick family members
• Give sick members their own room if possible, and keep the door closed
• Have only one family member care for them
• Consider providing additional protections or more intensive care for household members over 65 years old or with underlying conditions
Households with vulnerable seniors or those with significant underlying conditions. Significant underlying conditions include heart, lung, kidney disease; diabetes; and conditions that suppress the immune system
• Have the healthy people in the household conduct themselves as if they were a significant risk to the person with underlying conditions. For example, wash hands frequently before interacting with the person, such as by feeding or caring for the person
• If possible, provide a protected space for vulnerable household members
• Ensure all utensils and surfaces are cleaned regularly
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/downloads/workplace-school-and-home-guidance.pdf

Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) - Resources for K-12 Schools and Childcare Programs Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) - Resources for K-12 Schools and Childcare Programs