Because school administrators are often underfunded and sometimes unresponsive, parents can play an essential role in making schools safer. The author discusses Federal legislation affecting school safety and offers suggestions on how to form a parent safety group. She also focuses on violence and crime in schools, juvenile gangs, discipline, arrivals and departures, supervision, safety in the school building and playground, physical and mental health needs of students, environmental issues, disaster preparation, and legal issues in school safety. National resources to contact for additional information and support are listed. References and notes