IntroductionSchool violence has become a growing epidemic. News of a school shooting in which students were killed for no apparent reason reminds us of the growing national problem of school violence. Dewey Cornell (2010), clinical psychologist and professor of education at the University of Virginia, suggests that the school shootings at "Columbine High School in Colorado and Virginia Tech reinforced perceptions that schools can be dangerous places" (p. 1). However, there has been a downward trend in violence in schools in recent years. According to the CDC (2010) violent school deaths among students “account for less than 1% of homicides and suicides among children ages 5 to 18” (p.2). Many factors can influence or trigger violent behavior, and some risk factors make students more susceptible to violence such as “limited or reduced economic opportunities, low income, lack of education, social rejection by peers, bullying, poor academic performance” ( CDC, 2010, page 1). Research shows that many students feel unsafe at school, and feeling safe at school is associated with academic achievement (Pearson, Muller & Wilkinson, 2007). Students who felt less connected to school and/or community did not perform well academically and were poorly prepared for college. (Pearson, Muller, & Wilkinson, 2007). Additionally, studies indicate that students who experience harassment at school were linked to academic achievement that was nearly half a year lower than students who were harassed less often (Clark & ​​Russell, 2009). Objective An analysis of school safety policies and procedures for building a positive climate and culture and maintaining safety in an emergency or crisis situation. Studies suggest… middle of paper… states require school districts and administrators to develop and maintain a comprehensive, written safety plan or manual. The safety manual provides guidelines and educational information necessary for comprehensive plans, procedures, and mechanisms to respond to emergencies and crises (NJDOE, 2004). The key to maintaining a safe school environment is coordinated planning that results in a comprehensive emergency and crisis management plan for the district and its schools. These plans should include clear policies, ongoing collaborative planning, prevention, intervention strategies and programs, preparedness procedures, communications, roles, responsibilities and crisis response plans. The planning process is essential to an effective plan. (NJDOE, 2004). Global collaboration between school and community is necessary in the planning phases.