Not so long ago, principals could not have imagined that they would need to plan for a terrorist attack on their schools. However, it is a reality in today's world. The public demands that school administrators have a crisis plan for every school--to be ready for all possibilities, even the unimaginable. In this article, the author provides important tips on how principals can best respond to a school crisis and manage the recovery following the crisis. Their first response to a school crisis must be supported and guided by a well-prepared crisis plan. Then, they should make initial decisions on the basis of student and teacher safety. Finally, they must prepare to comfort parents and deal with the media. As the crisis comes under control, the recovery period begins. Principals must immediately make arrangements for counseling for all students. Teachers can temporarily assume the roles of counselors within their classroom if they are given all the crisis information, but they will also need counseling themselves. Principals should communicate the truth to all students and staff members. They must call a staff meeting and debrief teachers and staff members as soon as possible. This meeting will be more effective if it can be done before dismissing the teachers for the day.