School Safety:
A Heartfelt Commitment
to Our Children

The Purple Martin Blog

By Jason Indorato
Jason Indorato is the Director of Business and Operations at ESN.

As the Director of Business and Operations at Episcopal School of Nashville, I am responsible for planning and executing crisis management and security measures that keep our students, faculty, and staff safe. But more than that, I am a parent. Every time I walk these halls, I don’t just see a job. I see my own child, my colleagues’ children, and the faces of every student entrusted to us. The tragedies happening across the country are devastating reminders that school safety isn’t just a policy. It is a matter of life and death. We cannot ignore the pain these families are enduring. We owe it to them and to every child to do better.

The Heartbreaking Reality of School Violence

When we hear about school shootings, it is easy to feel helpless. These incidents remind us that no school or community is immune. These are not just statistics. They were children, teachers, and parents who started their day expecting to go home. The grief is overwhelming. As someone responsible for keeping a school safe, I feel the weight of these tragedies deeply. We must acknowledge that keeping our children safe is not just the school’s responsibility. It is a shared duty that begins in our homes and extends into our communities.

What Parents Can Do to Keep Their Kids Safe

1. Secure Firearms and Dangerous Items

  • If you own a firearm, lock it in a safe and store ammunition separately.

  • Teach children that guns are not toys and should never be handled without supervision.

  • Have open discussions about gun safety and violence prevention.

2. Foster Open Conversations

  • Ask your child how they are feeling. Listen without judgment.

  • Pay attention to sudden mood changes, withdrawal, or signs of distress.

  • Make sure they know it’s okay to talk about their fears, anxieties, and school concerns.

3. Teach “See Something, Say Something”

  • If something feels off, it probably is. Reinforce that reporting concerns could save lives.

  • Help your child understand the difference between telling to get someone in trouble and telling to keep someone safe.

  • Build trust so your child knows they can come to you if they feel unsafe.

4. Monitor Social Media and Digital Behavior

  • Be aware of who your child interacts with online.

  • Watch for warning signs like aggression, isolation, or violent language in posts.

  • Keep an open dialogue about cyberbullying and how social media impacts mental health.

  • Explain the long-term impact of digital threats and cyberbullying, emphasizing that online interactions leave a permanent footprint. Once something is shared online, it can be difficult, if not impossible, to erase, affecting a person’s reputation, mental well-being, and future opportunities.

Prioritizing Mental Health for Safer Schools

Security isn’t just about doors and cameras. It’s about protecting children from the inside out. Many school safety incidents stem from unaddressed mental health struggles. We need to create environments where kids feel seen, heard, and supported.

1. Recognizing the Warning Signs

  • Sudden withdrawal, changes in behavior, or outbursts can indicate deeper struggles.

  • Academic struggles, social isolation, or self-harm tendencies should never be ignored.

  • Encourage professional help and create a culture where asking for support is seen as a strength, not a stigma.

2. Creating a Supportive Home Environment

  • Keep home life as predictable and stable as possible.

  • Encourage family time, open discussions, and emotional check-ins.

  • Make sure your child knows they are loved, valued, and never alone.

What We Do at ESN to Keep Our Community Safe

1. Access Control and Campus Security

  • Strict access points and required identification for all visitors.

  • Surveillance systems to monitor key areas and detect potential threats.

  • Faculty and staff trained in emergency response protocols.

2. Emergency Preparedness and Drills

  • Regular lockdown, evacuation, and severe weather drills.

  • Clear communication channels for immediate crisis response.

  • Partnerships with law enforcement to improve readiness and coordination.

3. Behavioral and Threat Assessments

  • Early intervention when students show concerning behavior.

  • Collaboration with mental health professionals to provide support.

  • Strengthening the bridge between home and school for proactive prevention.

Turning Tragedy into Action

It is heartbreaking that we must prepare for the possibility of violence in a place meant for learning and growth. But we cannot afford to be reactive. We must be proactive. The tragedies we see are devastating, but they should not be in vain. They should serve as a catalyst for change. We cannot allow fear to paralyze us. Instead, we must channel it into action, vigilance, and a commitment to ensuring that every child feels safe at school and beyond.

A Shared Commitment to Safety

Every day, I step onto this campus not just as an administrator, but as a father. In every student, I see a reflection of my own child. To every parent reading this, know that your child’s safety is just as important to me as my own. This is more than a job, it’s a personal commitment. Safety is not just about policies. It is about trust. It is about community. It is about every one of us standing together, making sure no family has to experience the unimaginable pain of losing a child to violence. By working hand in hand, prioritizing mental health, and staying vigilant in our safety practices, we can make a difference. School security is not just a responsibility. It is a promise we must keep to our children, our educators, and each other.