Entry #20: Schools must not let security needs
discourage parent and community partnerships
St. Bernard Parish, Louisiana -- Like many schools, including
my home campus, remodeling and construction can be an all-consuming ordeal.
Here at Beauregard Middle School, there hasn't been a day gone by that I
haven't heard one of the staff members lament about not having locks on
their doors, the phone system being out of order, or "how great it
will be to use the new computer lab."
With the front of the school being inaccessible for several more weeks,
Principal Larry Cowen can be found each day with a bullhorn calling students
from the back courtyard to board buses in a cramped driveway. Since the
buses arrive in a different order each day, the name of the driver is announced
to reduce confusion. "Miss Irene, Miss Jill. . . ." the names
are called as the students scurry through a tight gate for the ride home.
Students, staff and visitors like myself all access the school from the
rear, stepping around construction debris and mud. "I can't wait until
this gets finished," declares Mr. Cowen.
Entering schools has been an interesting sub-plot in our search for involvement.
I remember one school in Columbus, GA that had visitors ring a buzzer outside
the building in order to gain entry. A parent waiting with me commented
that "now all they need are bars on the windows" (which I'm sure
some schools do have). After entering, I had to fill out 3 forms, one in
duplicate, then wear the approved visitor badge. Once inside, it was a very
positive atmosphere, but had I not had an appointment, I probably would
have found a more approachable school.
With today's fear of violence and predators, schools are in a precarious
position. Just yesterday, a substitute teacher in a nearby New Orleans community
surrendered to authorities amidst charges of sexual misconduct. Every day
administrators face the remote but real possibility of an intruder with
malicious intent. Yet in some schools I haven't even been required to check
in to the office.
We hope to spend March in the Corpus Christi Independent School District.
An assistant superintendent there asked us to produce references and documentation
of our research before granting final approval to visit. While this is a
new obstacle on our journey, it is not surprising and shouldn't be unexpected.
We find that the larger the district, the more suspicion and concern regarding
liability. There is just more opportunity for things to happen. Unfortunately,
the safeguards required to protect our schools can also be seen as deterrents
to partnership practices. The procedures we create for safety can also be
interpreted by parents and community as a message to "keep out."
There is a fine line between protection and exclusion.
The Prichard Committee on Academic Excellence has identified four types
of schools and districts regarding involvement: "The Fortress,"
"Come If We Call," "Open Door," and "Partnership"
schools. Until recently, I believe our schools were moving away from the
fortress toward partnership schools. For this to continue, however, school
personnel need to go out of their way to invite parent and community involvement
while politely explaining the need for safeguarding policies. This way,
we can reduce the incidents that produce tighter control while encouraging
the contact and support of our partners.
Let's not spend so much time on the external remodeling in our schools that
we neglect the more important internal reforms. As a regular visitor in
schools this year, I haven't minded wearing my badge and checking in at
the office. With encouraging smiles and plenty of opportunities to help,
there should be many more following me through the door -- even if it's
through the backdoor.
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