Nothing is more important than the safety and well-being of all our students and teachers. Tulsa Public Schools is committed to creating and nurturing warm, welcoming, and inclusive environments that are conducive to learning. That’s why, starting this school year, we are deeming TPS a No Fight Zone. In our district, we don’t fight. We figure it out, and we find a way forward together.

Big feelings can be hard to navigate. It’s understandable – expected, even – for our young people to need additional emotional support in managing feelings and regulating their emotions. However, engaging in physical confrontations is not the answer. It is not only disruptive to learning, but just plain dangerous.

With your partnership, our goal is to reinforce that our school buildings are safe places where every student can feel safe. No one should fear for their safety at school. We must ensure that any conflict is resolved by managing emotions and refraining from physical violence of any kind. 

Irreparable damage can be done in the blink of an eye when disagreements or conflicts escalate. That damage can impact families, friends, and futures. That’s why we’re reinforcing our expectations of no fighting, and offering additional supports to students to help them regulate emotions and de-escalate situations that have the potential to become tense.

Expectations for Students

When students experience conflict, frustration, anger, or believe a confrontation may occur, we expect them to choose one of several options before engaging in a physical altercation.

Students may:

• Request a Conflict Resolution Card, allowing them to immediately seek assistance from a trusted staff member.
• Ask to speak with their school counselor.
• Request that a parent or guardian be contacted to pick them up if they feel they cannot safely remain in the situation.
• Report to a designated De-escalation Room, TRAICE Classroom, or designated Wellness Room for support.
• Seek assistance from a teacher, administrator, or any trusted adult.

Every school will ensure these options are clearly communicated, consistently available, and easily accessible to students.

If a Fight Occurs

While our goal is prevention, we must also respond appropriately when fights occur. Our goal is not simply to punish students but rather to change behavior.

Generally, students can expect one or more of the following consequences:

• Students involved in a fight will receive intervention through de-escalation such as behavioral coaching, reflection opportunities, and conflict resolution support in addition to disciplinary consequences.
• If a student continues to engage in physical altercations, placement in a TPS alternative education setting may be a consideration to provide more intensive behavioral and academic supports.
• If violent behavior continues despite these interventions, the district will consider additional educational options that best support the student's needs while maintaining the safety of the school community.

Our principals and counselors are ready to provide support to students and families to ensure that we have a successful year full of learning, fun, and peaceful school environments.