Violence Prevention

Hats off to Jayne Murphy Shapiro for her common-sense remarks on school violence and its prevention (Valley Perspective Interview, Sept. 12).

I am tired of the blame-game, reactionary approach to this issue and agree that the way to deal with out-of-control behavior is not to attack teachers or to condemn parents. It takes working together to make specific and proactive recommendations on safety measures.

Why can’t our political leaders see things like she does? We need to start implementing programs that bring people and the resources available together to find solutions that are preventive as well as prescriptive.

MEGAN MARKEL

Sherman Oaks

* The article on Shapiro and school safety was the first upbeat thing on this subject I’ve seen in a while. Helping educators stay ahead of the game relative to safeguarding our schools is a great idea. Shapiro is to be commended for finally bringing parents, teachers and police to the same table. I am also glad to hear about someone doing something positive instead of just griping along with the rest of the masses. Maybe their combined efforts at a local level can help all our children see their role in a school community and our role in nurturing it and protecting it.

MARTHA ZILM

Newbury Park