Dear Maple Run Community,
In light of recent community conversations regarding threats in our schools, I want to address the concerns that have arisen and provide clarity about how we handle such serious situations. The safety and well-being of every student is always our top priority, and we understand the worry and anxiety these conversations can create.
I want to begin by acknowledging the concern and anxiety that can arise when a serious situation, such as a threat, is brought to our attention. As a school district, our top priority is the safety and well-being of every student, and we are committed to addressing all threats with the seriousness they deserve. We understand the fear and uncertainty that these moments can create, and we want to reassure you that we have comprehensive procedures in place to respond effectively.
While every situation can be alarming, please know that we follow a clear, structured protocol in response. Every time a threat is made, we immediately engage our district's Threat Assessment Team, which includes trained professionals such as school counselors, administrators, and law enforcement partners. The team's role is to assess the situation, evaluate the risk, and take appropriate actions to ensure the safety of all students involved.
What You Should Know About Our Threat Assessment Process:
Threat Assessment Overview: This process involves both assessment and intervention, helping to determine whether a student poses a genuine threat of violence.
Types of Threats: A threat may be transient, or substantive made in anger or frustration, meaning there is serious intent to harm.
Team-Based Response: A multidisciplinary team, including mental health professionals, administrators, and law enforcement, carefully evaluates each threat.
No Profiling: It’s important to remember that there is no specific profile for a student who may pose a threat.
Acting Quickly: If there are any concerns about a threat, we urge you to contact a school administrator, mental health professional, or law enforcement immediately. Our trained team will handle the situation and work to ensure the safety of everyone involved.
We appreciate your understanding and cooperation as we work together to keep our schools safe. Threat assessment is one part of our overall approach to maintaining a safe and supportive school environment, focusing on both physical and psychological safety.
We know this is a difficult topic to discuss, and we encourage anyone with concerns to reach out to us. Thank you for your partnership in keeping our Maple Run community safe. We are committed to being here for each of you with compassion, understanding, and the unwavering goal of protecting our children.
Sincerely,
Bill Kimball
Superintendent of Schools