All students and staff need a safe and supportive school environment in order to succeed. A safe school is one where teaching and learning are not distracted; disruptions are minimized; violence, drugs, bullying and fear are not present; students are not discriminated against; expectations for behavior are clearly communicated; and consequences for infractions are consistently and fairly applied. The most effective approach to creating safe and supportive school environments requires a comprehensive, coordinated effort including schoolwide, districtwide and communitywide strategies.