Educators and parents are continually searching for the answer to creating an environment at school that is safe and positive.  This environment is the key to releasing the energy and creativity of the staff and students so that effective teaching and learning can occur in the classroom.  Unfortunately, there is no one answer; no single program; no individual that can create this safe and caring school environment.  Rather, it is a process of defining what is meant by a safe school and then describing the steps that are necessary to reach this goal.

Spencer and Gary believe a safe school is one where students can learn and play in an atmosphere that is free of physical assaults, verbal aggression, threats, intimidation and sexual harrassment.  It is a place where parents feel welcome and trust that the staff of the school will deal fairly and consistently with incidents involving their children.  A safe school is one where all staff members can work without fear of being a victim of aggression.  It is a place where defiance and threats are not tolerated; where racist and sexist comments are not acceptable and, if they occur, are dealt with immediately.  A safe school is supportive and positive; where the energy of the staff and students is focused on learning and success.  It is a place where children want to come to learn, and adults want to come to work.

The statements below are a summary of what Gary and Spencer believe about setting the climate for children's successful behavior in schools.  These beliefs evolved from an integration of Dr. Valentine's principles of effective communication patterns and family interventions, as well as the conflict resolution and mediation strategies that were shared with the Inner City schools of the Downtown Conflict Resolution Project of the Winnipeg School Division.

In Spencer's and Gary's opinion the following statements summarize the foundation upon which a safe school climate is built:

1. The vast majority of students can follow reasonable and clear directions.
2. The parents and the school are partners in the education of the child.
3. Adults (parents, administrators, teachers, teacher assistants and custodial staff) are in charge of dealing with unsafe and defiant behavior.
4. The love of parents and the caring of teachers is fundamental to every student's success.
5. The school teaches for success and this is the only acceptable outcome.
6. Physical and verbal aggression are never acceptable and will not be tolerated for any reason.
7. The mediation process provides an alternative to violence.