In light of the recent ongoing episodes of school violence, I am wondering whether there are any parents left who care. Are any parents willing to rally together to help their schools, or are they resigned to the notion that they can’t make a difference?

An assault on a teacher or a photographer at school is everyone’s problem. When children no longer respect authority and teachers are no longer safe to teach, everyone suffers. Children still go to school to receive an education, right? We have a responsibility to protect both the students and — yes — the teachers from assault and abuse.

So, what can parents do? For starters, parents can volunteer and encourage other parents to do so. If a few parents do a little, it will lessen the burden on the already taxed school staff. Parents also can let their children know that safety is a basic requirement, not a luxury. Parents can unite together to keep their children safe. Parents who care, that is.

Everyone agrees that something must be done to end this school violence and instability. But what must be done, and who must do it? While parents, like teachers, are not the police, they can join together and provide added help to the schools. Placing parent volunteers in groups of twos to assist with hallway traffic could help. The recipe for a great school has always come down to the parents. When the parents expect more and do more, the results are always better.

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Parents can no longer expect the schools alone to take care of their children outside of the homes. Children are more violent than ever. The school cannot compete with the negative impact of violence in communities, mature video games and the unlimited programming availability on cable and its effects on children. Children today don’t have to look far to understand their options to express anger.

“Children lash out because they are angry,” according to local psychiatrist Dr. Melva Green. “They are angry because no one cares about them. Many of these children are not getting their basic needs met, and they have no hope. When you have been hurt so much, you learn to expect very little from others. Anger becomes the only option.”

Take a look at these schools. Where is the parental involvement and outrage after these horrific incidents? What will it take to effect change?

The crisis is here. Parents can and do make a difference. Put some skin in the game by volunteering.

Tips for parents who care:

- Have a heart-to-heart with your child about what is going on in school.

- Accompany your child to school to see what the potential dangers or issues are on your child’s school route (including the bus ride).

- Schedule an appointment with teachers to let them know that you want to help improve the school environment.

- Volunteer and help the short-staffed school administration gain more watchful eyes.

- Teach your children what to do when they are bullied, are threatened or feel that things are out of control.

- Attend the emergency parent meetings. If your school is in crisis, then why are the parents not attending the PTA meetings?

- Unite and create a parent-informing network. Tell one another what you know.

- Make it easy and safe for children to tell the school what is really going on.

- Stay connected to what is happening.

- Stop passing the buck as if it is everyone else’s problem.

This is far from a quick-fix issue. But parents can do more. Schools today need more than lip service. They need parents who care enough to give 60 minutes of time each month to make a difference. Let the parents who care show it by their actions.

Mia Redrick is a professional parenting and life coach, the author of “Time for Mom-Me: 5 Essential Self-care Strategies for Mothers,” and the Baltimore Parenting Examiner for examiner.com. Click here to read her posts.