Definition of a School-related Violent Event

This guide will focus on school-related violent incidents of a criminal nature, such as the following:

1. A violent incident in the school
For example, a high school student shoots another student on campus

2. A violent incident involving a student near the school
For example, a student is killed in a drive-by shooting outside the school

3. A violent incident involving a teacher on school grounds
For example, a teacher is attacked or killed by a family member in the classroom or parking lot

4. A terrorist event
For example, the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001 and the 2002 sniper shootings in Maryland and Virginia*

Although this guide does not specifically address the following incidents, the checklists and guidelines in this document may be applicable to these situations:

1. The accidental death of a family member of a student or staff member
For example, a teacher's daughter is killed in a car accident

2. The terminal illness of a student or staff member
For example, a second grade student dies of cancer during the school year

3. An accident near school grounds
For example, a tanker truck overturns on a freeway nearby and is leaking gas

4. A natural disaster
For example, a tornado or an earthquake

5. The suicide of a family member of a student or staff member
For example, a high school student shoots himself at the entrance of the school

*It should be noted that this guide does not fully address the complex nature of the psychological trauma that may accompany and follow terrorist attacks and threats. At the time of publication, a more detailed study of the psychological consequences of terrorism is being conducted by a special committee of the Institute of Medicine.