Janet Maurer, Director Counseling Services
(reprinted from Academy Edition, March 2002)

In our schools, a place of learning and caring, we would all like to believe that violence could never occur. However, it is always better to be safe than sorry, so the possibility of violence within our walls should not be dismissed. We all play a critical role in helping to prevent violence at school through our observations and subsequent reporting. What can you do if you hear/observe that someone is threatening to harm him/her self or others? Tell someone! Tell an adult! Do not assume that someone else will do something about it, do not assume it is a joke, do not assume it's not your business, do not assume it doesn't matter, do not assume you are being loyal by keeping a secret, do not assume no one will do anything to help, do not stay silent. No one should ever have to say, "if only I had said or done something." As friends and bystanders you are all in a position to keep an eye and ear out for warning signs of imminent danger. These warning signs include the following:

• Verbal, written, and physical threats of suicide or self-injurious behavior, both vague and specific
• Verbal, written, and physical threats of deadly violence, both vague and specific
• Access to/possession of weapons
• Serious property destruction
• Serious rage reactions to what appear to be minor incidents
• Serious physical fighting with family members or peers

Even if you are not sure whether or not you have reason to worry about someone, please tell a trusted adult. Let those who are specially trained to evaluate potential danger decide how to respond. Remember, it's better to be safe than sorry!