School Violence

When I turned on the television, I immediately heard about the school shooting in Colorado. It saddens me to know that school violence is increasing everyday. Even though the reported shooter was not one of the students, this still was an act of violence taking place in a public place of education. Schools are supposed to be a safe haven for students- a place where everyone feels safe, accepted, appreciated, and wanted. It seems as if everyday, there's a news story about school violence. When will this end?
Teachers have a vital role in their classrooms; not only are they the subject guru, but they are mentors. Teachers should encourage students to get involved in their school; extracurricular activities are a great way to steer students away from violence. Also, teachers should make students feel accepted and appreciated. Much violence is linked to hatred and depression. If teachers assure that each student is treated equally and accepted in their classrooms, then maybe... just maybe... we will not see a news story about school violence each time we turn on the television.