Physical Violence

All students have the right to learn in a safe school environment. The good news is school violence can be prevented. Many factors contribute to school violence. Preventing school violence requires addressing the factors that put people at risk for or protect them from violence. Research shows that prevention efforts by teachers, administrators, parents, community members, and even students can reduce violence and improve the school environment.

BSISD takes all threats of violence serious and investigates these threats in order to prevent violent acts against our students, staff, and property. Students, staff and parents may report threats or acts of violence through our anonymous reporting app.

Preventing violence requires a community approach. BSISD believes that with the help of students, parents, and community members, violence on our campuses can be avoided or reduced. Research shows that parents are an important influence on children’s values, attitudes and behavior. Building positive and meaningful relationships between schools and parents helps with efforts to prevent violence and improve academic progress.

Parents can aid our schools in preventing violence on our campuses in the following ways:

1. Talk to your children. Keeping the lines of communication open with your children and teens is an important step to keeping involved in their schoolwork, friends, and activities. Ask open-ended questions and use phrases such as "tell me more" and "what do you think?" Phrases like these show your children that you are listening and that you want to hear more about their opinions, ideas, and how they view the world. Start important discussions with your children—about violence, smoking, drugs, sex, drinking, death—even if the topics are difficult or embarrassing. Don't wait for your children or teens to come to you.
2. Know the warning signs. Knowing what's normal behavior for your son or daughter can help you recognize even small changes in behavior and give you an early warning that something is troubling your child. Sudden changes—from subtle to dramatic—should alert parents to potential problems. These could include withdrawal from friends, decline in grades, abruptly quitting sports or clubs the child had previously enjoyed, sleep disruptions, eating problems, evasiveness, lying, and chronic physical complaints (stomachache or headaches).
3. Stay involved in your child's school and education. Show your children you believe education is important and that you want your children to do their best in school by being involved in their education. Get to know your child's teachers and help them get to know you and your child. Communicate with your child's teachers throughout the school year, not just when problems arise. Stay informed of school events, class projects, and homework assignments.
4. Report problems or concerns with your child's school. If you feel that your child is being threatened or dealing with violence from fellow students, report this information to your child's school administration or use our anonymous reporting app to report it. BSISD teachers and staff want to help our students, knowing when there are issues helps to make our campuses safer.