From the Administrator

Thoreau once wrote in his journal that "nothing is so much to be feared as fear." For many school-age children, however, fear is a realistic response to conditions in and around their schools. The adverse effects of this fear are far reaching and often long lasting. When fear keeps children out of the classroom, it can limit their prospects and their potential contributions to society.

America was founded on the promise of opportunity. Every child in our Nation deserves the chance to live the American dream, and education is the pathway to that dream and to a fulfilling and productive life. We must not allow fears engendered by bullying, gangs, weapons, and substance abuse to disrupt children's journey toward a better tomorrow.

Combating Fear and Restoring Safety in Schools examines the climate of violence that threatens our schools and describes steps that concerned citizens are taking to restore security and calm. Because our children look to us to make their world safe, we must all become advocates for prevention and intervention programs such as those profiled here. I hope that this Bulletin will encourage you to support efforts to eliminate the fear that plagues too many of our schools.

Shay Bilchik
Administrator

Combating Fear and Restoring Safety in Schools	Juvenile Justice Bulletin   ·  April 1998