Detective Ian Moffet receives a certificate of appreciation for moderating a discussion on school safety at Palmetto Middle School. Also pictured are (l-r) principal Judith Anton and teachers Jorge Garcia and Alfred Meneses.

The discussion focused on violent behavior in children and the warning signals to look out for by parents, schools and communities. The meeting provided parents with helpful literature published by the Department of Education, including pamphlets such as Parents Guide to the Internet and A Guide to Safe Schools. But, most importantly, it gave parents a chance to ask questions and receive helpful suggestions on what can be done to help our children.

Perhaps the strongest message was the importance of parental supervision. Detective Moffet, responding to a question about increasing violence, he said said it was "because of the availability of weapons, the increase in gang activity, the use of drugs, the impulsive culture we live in and because violent behavior is considered the norm in our society."

He added that many students lack the skills required not to be violent and suggested that many youngsters are violent simply because of the lack of parental supervision.

As parents we realize that today's world has no physical boundary since technology allows us to go anyplace at anytime, with no external barriers. It's a daunting job for parents to maintain boundaries and to do so, I believe, we have to form strong alliances with our children, our teachers and our neighbors. And to do that we must be there, joined with them and those around them.
We learned from the meeting that as a result of the Columbine tragedy the Dade County Public School system has

instituted training for teachers, administrators and school staff on handling emergencies involving violent behavior and on procedures to follow in the event of a bomb. Through awareness programs, the school is talking with students regarding issues of student responsibility and the outcome for those who shirk their responsibilities, affirming that students can come to teachers and administrators with problems and concerns.

The forum was open for frank discussion. Among the many topics discussed was the recent incident of acid bombs brought to school. Many parents felt that school administrators did not handle the incident properly with regard to informing the student body about what happened and what was done to insure the safety of students.

The fact is that the school staff performed well with regard to training. They took immediate action to make the school secure for the students in the building and removed those responsible for the threat. The weak spot was in not communicating this action to the parents and students.

Parents also felt that an opportunity was missed to show students that there are real consequences for unlawful and endangering behavior, although these issues are discussed through character education lessons and in special assemblies such as the upcoming presentation by the Coconut Grove Playhouse of Bang, Bang, You're Dead.

One hopes that this meeting was a beginning, a work in progress. As parents we seek to give our children the tools they need to go safely from their core world to the outer world. Parents are the front line in a child's journey to responsible independence. The front line does not end when our children walk out the kitchen door. We must lead and guide beyond home, through school and into the world.