WHEREAS, schools make substantial contributions to the future of America and to the development of our State’s young people as knowledgeable, responsible and productive citizens; and

WHEREAS, excellence in education is dependent on safe, secure and peaceful school settings; and

WHEREAS, the safety and well-being of many students, teachers and school staff are unnecessarily jeopardized by crime and violence, such as substance abuse, gangs, bullying, poor discipline, vandalism and absenteeism, in our schools; and

WHEREAS, it is the responsibility of all citizens to enhance the learning experiences of young people by helping to ensure fair and effective discipline, promote good citizenship, and generally make school safe and secure; and

WHEREAS, all leaders, especially those in education, law enforcement, government and business should eagerly collaborate with each to focus public attention on school safety and identify, develop and promote innovative answers to these critical issues; and

WHEREAS, numerous schools and school districts throughout the country, along with national programs, are among those innovative answers; and

WHEREAS, the observance of America’s Safe Schools Week will substantially promote efforts to provide all our State’s schools with positive and safe learning climates;

NOW, THEREFORE, I, JIM GIBBONS, GOVERNOR OF THE STATE OF NEVADA, do hereby proclaim October 19-25, 2008, as