Piling On School Security

It's not often you find a story that contains all the drama of electronic name-calling, a political hot button issue, and accusations of bullying!

This brief  story, from Tulsa, Oklahoma, has it all. Tak a look: http://news.yahoo.com/okla-school-official-tweets-educators-dirtbags-233417629.html.

Do the math!  Technology (Twitter) Risks + School Voucher Lawsuit + Bullying Accusation = School Security Issue(s).

Issue Raising Questions (props to Paul Baltz) -
How are you handling/addressing technology use and indiscretions? To whom do your policies/practices apply? Students? Staff?
What are your policies regarding media coordination? How often are those policies disseminated?
Do you have a documented bullying policy? How 'bout a full-fledged bullying prevention program? To whom does is apply? Students and staff?  Others?

Share your thoughts!

Teacher-Student Facebook Ban Overturned

Here is the latest salvo in the facebook ban wars that are raging in the state of Missouri - http://abcnews.go.com/Technology/missouri-facebook-law-injunction-granted-law-ban-teachers/story?id=14388569.
While I have not read all of the language in the original law or details of the teachers' union protest to the ban, let me be clear about one thing - I AGREE WITH THE BAN, IN PRINCIPLE!!!
I think there are ways (i.e. departmental facebook fanpages) for teachers/coaches to communicate with students without wading into the murky waters of "private" correspondence. Classrooms are public places because windows in classrooms doors are mandated. Let's add windows to social networking, as well.
Your thoughts?

Banning Teacher-Student Electronic Correspondence

Check out this story detailing a potential statewide ban on student-teacher electronic correspondence (texting, social networking, etc.) in Virginia - http://www.readwriteweb.com/archives/virginia_poised_to_ban_teacher-student_texting_fac.php.
We think these restrictions have merit. What are your thoughts? Where do you stand?

Guns on Campus

Where do you stand on the issue of whether or not individuals should be permitted to carry guns on campus? Recently, I was given the opportunity to share my opinion! Here is a brand new article from Security Management magazine that addresses the issue - http://www.securitymanagement.com/article/carry-or-not-carry-008824.
Do you agree with me? Why or why not?

Sunday Vandalism - Summer Vandalism?

This story about a 13-year-old caught vandalizing the local Middle School in Seattle, Washington on a Sunday afternoon (http://www.kirotv.com/news/28139921/detail.html) should cause us to consider our summer operations.
How does a weekend vandalism incident relate to summer operations? In both instances, we face difficulties with access control and supervision.
How are you addressing those difficulties? What practices and measures do you have in place to make this a safe summer?

Enjoying Those Graduation Ceremonies?

Check out this story where 14 people were FINED for interrupting the reading of names during a graduation ceremony in South Carolina - http://www.azcentral.com/offbeat/articles/2011/05/26/20110526loud-cheering-graduation-ticketed-disorderly-conduct.html?source=nletter-entertainment.
I have attended numerous graduation ceremonies where yelling, excessive cheering, and air horns have not only kept the following graduate's name from being heard, but flat-out annoyed other attendees.
At first blush, this story might make it seem as though the concept of fining for bad behavior is too heavy-handed, but... When the announcements (both written and verbal) clearly call for courtesy during an event that is already too lengthy, I applaud the use of appropriate consequences.
Please note, however, that my applause is figurative only!
What are your thoughts?

Terrorism Threat Level Colors Change

What color terrorism threat level are we currently operating under:

A) Yellow
B) Orange
C) Red
D) None of the Above

If you answered "A," you are mostly right. If you answered "B," you are right only for the Transportation Sector (i.e. flying). If you answered "C," you are wrong! If you answered "D," you will be right effective 04/26.

Read this article and post your thoughts - http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748704570704576274982202887072.html?KEYWORDS=security.