Discusses the hazards of nitric acid and other nitrates, especially ammonium nitrate in the high school laboratory. Provides many historical accounts on the dangers of nitrates. (MVL)

Discusses the presentations of chemical demonstrations, hands-on experiments, and magic shows. Presents 12 guidelines to follow when presenting chemical demonstrations. Points out the obligations of the presenters for the safety concerns of the general public. Notes information available from the American Chemical Society. (MVL)

Presents a programed method that inventories and classifies hazards. 8iscusses the following topics: (1) student and hazard source, (2) elimination of the source, (3) adaptation of the source, (4) isolation of the source, (5) adjustment of the surroundings, (6) isolation of man, and (7) personal protective equipment. (MVL)

A model of building factors that may constrain people and programs has four classes of constraining factors: perceptual, individual, program, and other. (MLF)

Violence in all settings has reached epidemic proportions. Most shootings are committed by friends or relatives following an argument or when playing with guns. The public needs education about nonviolent ways of coping with anger and about the high cost of gun violence. Suggestions for avoiding gun violence and the PTA position on firearms are…

A qualitative case analysis describes campus reaction to an incident in which a student attempted to fire a gun at his classmates. Data were collected through interviews with informants, observations, documents, and audiovisual materials. From the case emerged themes of denial, fear, concern for safety, long-term psychological effects, and need…

School districts across the country are taking measures in the design and renovation of school buildings that will protect students and staff members. Exterior and interior design possibilities are listed. Schools are also advised to have a districtwide crisis intervention plan, a school safety plan, and an annual safety audit. (MLF)

In the event of a natural disaster, community medical and disaster resources might not be available. It is essential that school boards make disaster preparedness a priority and then leave the actual planning to principals, teachers, and students. Outlines the basic elements of a plan and lists disaster and first-aid supplies for schools and…

The University of Denver (Colorado) reduced workers' compensation losses 97 percent in 1990-91 by developing a master safety plan, sponsoring safety training, managing medical costs, providing modified duty for injured employees, screening applicants, orienting new employees, investigating claims thoroughly, performing life-safety audits, and…

Gang membership in large cities is declining but may be increasing in small towns. A student high-school teacher in Silver City, New Mexico, describes several academic, counseling, disciplinary, and extracurricular programs (including a support group for gang dropouts) to address students' and teachers' school-safety concerns. (MLH)

Summarizes findings from a study conducted by Public Agenda and the Public Education Network that shows that, although some differences are apparent, both African-American and White parents want safe and orderly schools for their children, with a solid grounding in the basics, high standards, and strong teaching staffs. (SLD)

Discusses the changes in today's schools resulting from the growth of information technology and community needs. Examines how some school districts are responding to the technological retrofit issue; looks at the challenges they face in placing technology in the classroom, allocating space, and building flexibility into the school. Highlighted…

Notes two very different reactions to school shootings--Westside Middle School has no memorials and no media coverage of the four classmates and a teacher who were killed, whereas Columbine High School has erected memorials and is subject to ongoing media coverage. Concludes that the student media's role in covering tragic events is unique to each…

Administrators should regard each student threat as legitimate, but need flexibility in how they respond. Getting the facts and following due process are essential. School policy should require that students be referred to law-enforcement officials and specify communication, crisis-management, identification, and preventive/proactive procedures.…

Describes one high school's 20-year struggle to create a safe school environment following race riots and sexual harassment of young women. Notes that these ongoing efforts set the pattern for the school's current efforts to provide equal protection for gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgendered, and queer/questioning students. (SM)