Pennsylvania School Code now requires each school entity to establish at least one Threat Assessment Team. A threat assessment is a prevention strategy and fact-based process for the assessment of and intervention with students whose behaviors may indicate a threat to the safety of the student, other students, school employees, school facilities, the community, or others.
The key responsibilities of the Threat Assessment Team are to:
- Provide materials for students, school employees, and parents/guardians;
- Assess and respond to reports of threats from varying resources; make appropriate determinations, referrals, and notices; and
- Provide information necessary for annual reporting to the School Board of Directors.
In Cocalico School District, the following staff are trained members of Threat Assessment Teams:
- Dr. Stephen Melnyk, Safety & Security Coordinator
- Dr. Andria Weaver, Director of Special Services
- Mr. Scott Bennetch, CHS Principal
- Mrs. Jessica Townsley,, CHS Assistant Principal
- Mr. Andrew Price, CHS Assistant Principal
- Mr. Anthony DiMatteo, CMS Principal
- Mrs. Samantha Bensing, CMS Assistant Principal
- Dr. Susan Snyder, Adamstown Elementary Principal
- Mrs. Angela Marley, Denver Elementary Principal
- Mrs. Rebecca Culbert, Elementary Assistant Principal
- Mrs. Rachel Albrecht, School Counselor
- Mrs. Elise Clicquennoi, School Counselor
- Mrs. Carrie McKernan, School Counselor
- Mrs. Katie Schaefer, School Counselor
- Mr. Drew Shimko, School Counselor
- Mrs. Stacey Sola, School Counselor
- Mrs. Tammy Frey, School Nurse
- Ms. Suanne Cammauf, Home School Visitor
For more information about the threat assessment team, please contact your school principal or Dr. Stephen Melnyk, Assistant to the Superintendent for Education Administration, at (717) 336-1403.