Research makes clear that to be successful, middle schools must address school safety proactively, justly, and thoughtfully. We also know that school safety is first and foremost rooted in school culture. Unfortunately, it’s sometimes the case that schools’ approaches to safety can actually cause students to feel less safe.
That’s why when I heard about Chris Cottrill and the role he plays as School Safety Officer at Farmwell Station Middle School in Loudon County, Virginia, I was excited to be able to share his story. As part of their application to become an AMLE School of Distinction, our team held extensive interviews with the Farmwell Station community, including with Cottrill and other support staff. The positive and inclusive culture within the school was apparent, and it quickly became clear that he is an integral part of that. I sat down with Officer Cottrill to learn more about his role at Farmwell Station and how other schools might be able to duplicate their success.
When asked about his day-to-day work, Cottrill says that his primary role is to be a positive mentor for the students. “I’m here to make sure we have a positive and safe learning environment for everyone,” he explained, “I try to be proactive in terms of being present around the school. I’m trying to get to know the kids and build relationships. If you know them, then you can tell if someone is having a bad day and you can step in.” This means being visible during those all-important transition and socialization times in middle school. “I’m in the halls during every class change and I’m almost always at every lunch period.” He also makes sure parents get to know him by being outside during pick-up and drop-off times.
More than being visible, Cottrill believes it’s also important to meet kids where they’re at and to bring the right disposition to the work. “I bring a lot of positive energy,” he says, “I’m always offering fist bumps and asking kids how their day is going. Of course, there are kids that may not be outgoing at first. I just try to build a relationship with them over time. Eventually they’ll start coming up to me and offering me a fist bump.”
Key to his success has been working directly and collaboratively with the administration and teachers. In addition to supporting school board policies, like executing safety and emergency drills, Cottrill is also a resource for teachers who notice kids having an off day or potential instances of bullying. Cottrill is able to intervene and either serve as a trusted adult for that student to talk to or to direct them to the counselor if additional support is needed. “It’s been helpful to have that in-between point of contact,” he explains, “I’m always trying to level with the kids and to deescalate as opposed to raising my voice. That only makes things worse.”
Cottrill, who previously worked in maintenance for Loudon County Public Schools, was inspired to become a School Safety Officer after observing their positive influence on his own children and their schools. When asked if he’s glad he made the transition, he said he “absolutely loves” this role, adding, “with the amount of support and training that I receive from Safety and Security and Loudon County Public Schools, I’m able to do my job at that highest level possible.”
Having a School Safety Officer also means there’s someone who knows the kids personally and can keep the School Resource Officers in the loop when an issue becomes more serious. In fact, Cottrill shares an office with the SRO assigned to their school.
As is often the case, working in a middle school has also helped shape his parenting style with his own children, the oldest of which just finished 8th grade. “Oh gosh! It really opens your eyes. One of the things I love about middle school is you have your 6th graders and they’re still very young, just out of elementary school, and the changes that you see from 6th to 8th grade is huge,” Cottrill reflects. He credits being in his current role with having helped him have positive conversations. “I’ve had a lot of good talks with my daughter,” he says, “I’m always telling her to surround herself with good friends who will pick her up and not put her down.”
In the end, Cottrill explains he’s just one part of a team that’s constantly working to support students. “It’s an amazing place to work,” he says, “Everyone works together as a team. Everyone is focused on the main goal and that’s putting the kids first.”
Stephanie Simpson is the CEO of the Association for Middle Level Education. Learn more about AMLE’s Schools of Distinction program.