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:
- Assistant to the Superintendent
- Building Principals & Assistant Principals
- Director of Support Services & Assistant Director of Support Services
- School Nurses
- School Counselors,
- School Psychologists
- Home/School Visitors
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.