(10/03/06) JERICHO - In the aftermath of the U.S.?s third school attack in five days, Long Island educators assessed the security of their students Tuesday.

Jericho High School social worker Todd Benjamin says when tragedies strike, the district examines the effectiveness of their guards, cameras and other security measures. Next week, Benjamin says the district is planning to hold an assembly called ?Rachel?s Challenge.? The program, which addresses school violence, was put together after the 1999 Columbine High School attack in Colorado.

Brentwood East Middle School Principal Kyrie Siegel, on the other hand, says opening lines of communication with students is best in smaller settings. Instead of larger assemblies, Siegel plans to emphasize classroom discussions of school violence.

Both officials say their districts encourage students to speak about school violence concerns with their advisors. Despite the reality that these incidents can happen anywhere, Benjamin and Siegel agree it is best to minimize students? anxiety about the dangers.