In spite of our best efforts, we will occasionally see physical altercations and fights between students. If ignored, even small acts of aggression can escalate quickly, jeopardizing the safety of multiple individuals. It's always important to scan for weapons and get bystanders away from the scene.

Sometimes, students are looking for a way out of a fight without losing their dignity and being called a coward by their peers. Having an adult tell them to stop can give them a safe way out of the fight. You may want to take note of the students who witnessed the beginning of a fight, in case you need to talk with them later.

Your safety is very important. It's best not to get between students if you are not properly trained in non-violent crisis intervention. Beverly H. Johns and Valerie G. Carr have provided guidelines for intervening in fights in their book, Techniques for Managing Verbally and Physically Aggressive Students, Hawthorne Educational Services, Inc., 1995.

If your school is challenged by the presence of gangs, it's important that you understand the risk factors that draw youth into gangs, along with gang behavior, signs, symbols, and markings/tattoos. It probably won't surprise you to learn that many of the same risk factors for other types of violence also increase the susceptibility of individuals to join gangs. For a closer look at these risk factors, check out this instructional video (https://www.nationalgangcenter.gov/Video) from the National Gang Center. The website (https://www.nationalgangcenter.gov) also contains a wealth of information on gang tattoos, parent guides to gang prevention in both English and Spanish, and other useful materials.

You will need to clarify your school's policy on restricting identifying clothing, behavior, and items so you can provide consistency in discipline across the building.

It's not the job of our schools to handle all of the societal issues and forces contributing to gangs, but consistency in enforcing policy, building connections with students, fostering positive assets in youth, and building strong relationships with law enforcement will help make your school safer.