Olivia Ellison

Student safety extends beyond school buildings to include transportation—one of the most overlooked yet statistically significant safety concerns. Whether riding school buses, walking, biking, being dropped off by parents, or driving themselves, students face unique risks during commutes. Comprehensive transportation safety requires addressing multiple modes and implementing evidence-based strategies for each. School Bus Safety: The Safest Mode School buses are the safest way for students to...

Medical emergencies occur far more frequently in schools than violent incidents, yet often receive less attention in emergency planning. From severe allergic reactions to cardiac events, asthma attacks to traumatic injuries, schools must be prepared to provide immediate, life-saving medical response. School nurses serve as medical emergency experts, but their effectiveness depends on adequate resources, clear protocols, and widespread staff first aid competency. The Essential Role of School...

One of the most significant sources of confusion and conflict during school emergencies involves unclear delineation between district-level and building-level responsibilities. When crises strike, ambiguity about who makes which decisions can delay response, create contradictory directives, and undermine effective emergency management. Research in organizational crisis management emphasizes that clearly defined roles, established well before emergencies occur, are essential for effective...