Part One Time bomb in the classroom Problem teen-ager hides in the cracks Lingering problems: After Moses Lake, violence leaves mark In Olympia, lawmakers toe line between violence, rights Numbers don't always add up Part Two Eye on violence: Schools beef up security, find new ways to curb problems Prevention starts in college classroom Blessed are the peacemakers Poll shows public wants solutions Programs show students how to recognize, avoid potential problem areas Part Three A child's death, A mother's pain Alice Fritz describes heartbreak of losing her son to violence Getting connected: Students who get involved early have better chance of doing well Guidelines for getting involved Laws give students protection from action Many give warnings before violence Seeing the signs Credits Resources Guidelines for getting involved The National School Safety Center's Web site at www.nssc1.org and Early Warning, Timely Response: A Guide to Safe Schools, created by the U.S. departments of education and justice, offer tips to help parents create safe schools. The guide is available on the Web at www.air-dc.org/cecp/guide or by calling 877-433-7827. Tips for parents -- Keep an open line of communication with your child. -- Review homework. -- Attend teacher-parent conferences, parent-teacher association meetings, school programs and school board meetings. -- Become a member of a community violence prevention group. -- Take part in parenting classes. Schools and community counseling agencies often provide training in resolving conflicts with children. If no such class exists in your community, start one. -- Discuss the school's discipline policy with your child. Show support for the rules, and help children understand the reasons for them. -- Help children understand the consequences of violence. Talk with your child about the violence he or she sees on television, in video games and possibly the neighborhood. -- Get to know your child's friends and talk with their parents. -- Listen to your child if he or she shares concerns about friends who may be exhibiting troubling behaviors. Share this information with a school counselor, principal, teacher or other trusted professional. -- Enroll children in programs provided by schools, church groups, youth clubs, sports organizations or city recreation programs. Such activities build self-esteem and help children make friends. If no such programs exist, encourage schools to start them. -- Provide care for youths in your neighborhood before or after school or during weekends. -- Become a foster parent or an advocate for children from broken homes through a juvenile court. -- Find out whether your employer offers provisions for parents to participate in school activities. Tips for students -- Listen to your friends if they share troubling feelings or thoughts. Encourage them to get help from a trusted adult such as a school counselor, church leader or other professional. If you are very concerned, seek help. Share your concerns with your parents. -- Create or join student organizations that combat violence. -- Work with local businesses and community groups to organize youth-oriented activities. -- Organize an assembly and invite your school counselor and students to share ideas about how to deal with violence, intimidation and bullying. -- Participate in student mentor groups like Natural Helpers or be a tutor for peers or younger children. -- Ask for permission to invite a law enforcement officer to your school to conduct a safety audit and share safety tips. -- Participate in activities that promote student understanding of differences and that respect the rights of all. -- Be a role model. Know your school's code of conduct and act responsibly. Back to Learning the Hard Way

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