School safety is defined as school and school-related activities where students are safe from violence, bullying and harassment, and the influence of substance use.

Safe schools promote the protection of all students from violence, exposure to weapons and threats, theft, bullying and harassment, the sale or use of illegal substances on school grounds, and other emergencies.  School safety is linked to improved student and school outcomes. In particular, emotional and physical safety in school are related to academic performance. At the same time, students who are victims of physical or emotional harassment or who are involved in the sale or use of illegal substances on school grounds are at risk for poor attendance, course failure and school dropouts.

Youth suicide is a significant problem which has recently received a lot of attention. With recent advances in understanding of the causative factors and the parameters of the problem, along with the identification of effective intervention strategies, parents and professionals are now able to implement measures that can reduce rates of suicidal behavior in children and young people. These guidelines, which are mandated by the Virginia General Assembly, identify those actions that should be taken by school personnel when they suspect a student is at risk of suicide. A major component of the identified measures focuses on procedures to follow for contacting parents, or if conditions warrant, the local or state service agencies when educators believe a student is in imminent risk of attempting suicide. Guidelines for assessment strategies and related practices such as suicide prevention techniques are covered.

Suicide Prevention Guidelines (VDOE Code of Virginia)

Bullying is a problem in many spheres of our culture: it exists in the work place, it exists in intimate relationships, and it exists in families and communities. Bullying exists in public schools but public schools are in a unique position to educate children and adolescents about its presence, danger, and negative consequences. Schools can also teach behaviors that will protect students from the harmful effects of bullying.

Bullying has been linked to negative outcomes for students who are its victims, for bystanders, and for students who are bullies themselves. Bullying negatively affects school climate. Bullying also has negative impacts on learning, health, behavior and school outcomes. For these reasons, Winchester Public Schools are committed to providing a safe and civil environment for all students, employees, parents or guardians, volunteers, and visitors.

Bullying Prevention Strategies and Programs (Information from VDOE on bullying prevention.)

The use of tobacco, alcohol, or drugs can have significant and long-term health and academic consequences for children and adolescents. Research has shown that environmental strategies – community norms, shared values, and public messages that promote healthy, drug-free living – make a substantial difference in keeping young people better protected from the negative influences of alcohol, tobacco, and drug use. Schools are uniquely positioned to provide programs and services that promote student health and remove barriers to learning. They provide an ideal setting for education, prevention, and early intervention of alcohol, tobacco, and substance use. 

Alcohol, Drug, & Tobacco Use (Information from the VDOE on Substance Abuse)