• Threat Assessment: Act 18 of 2019

    School Safety established requirements for schools to recognize the signs and impact of trauma in students and to provide support and to establish threat assessment teams. The purpose of these teams is for the assessment of and intervention with students whose behavior may indicate a threat to the safety of the student, other students, school employees, school facilities, the community, or others. 

    The Rose Tree Media School District has developed threat assessment teams in each school building. These teams consist of two or more of the following: an Administrator (Principal and/or Assistant Principal), School Counselor, School Nurse, School Psychologist and MTSS Teacher. The team members work together and are interchangeable when conducting assessments.

    All team members have been trained in the Comprehensive School Threat Assessment Guidelines (CSTAG) model by the Delaware County Intermediate Unit and follow prescribed guidelines and procedures to recognize, assess and follow through with assisting students showing traumatic or threatening behaviors to harm self or others.

    If you see warning signs or suspicious behavior, report via Safe2Say or contact the school principal or guidance counselor at your child’s school. If this is an emergency, call 911. 

    Warning Signs of Youth Violence

    The presence of some of the signs or factors listed below should alert us to the possibility that an individual may be at risk of violence. It should be noted, however, that the presence of one or more signs or factors does not necessarily mean that the person will be violent.

    Some signs of potential for violence may be historical or static (unchangeable) factors like:

    • A history of violent or aggressive behavior

    • Young age at first violent incident

    • Having been a victim of bullying

    • History of discipline problems or frequent conflicts with authority

    • Early childhood abuse or neglect

    • Having witnessed violence at home

    • Family or parent condones use of violence

    • A history of cruelty to animals

    • Having a major mental illness

    • Being callous or lacking empathy for others

    • History of vandalism or property damage

    Other signs of potential violence may be present over time and may escalate or contribute to the risk of violence given a certain event or activity. These might include:

    • Serious drug or alcohol use

    • Gang membership or strong desire to be in a gang

    • Access to or fascination with weapons, especially guns

    • Trouble controlling feelings like anger

    • Withdrawal from friends and usual activities

    • Regularly feeling rejected or alone

    • Feeling constantly disrespected

    Some signs of potential violence may be new or active signs. They might look like:

    • Increased loss of temper

    • Frequent physical fighting

    • Increased use of alcohol or drugs

    • Increased risk-taking behavior

    • Declining school performance

    • Acute episode of major mental illness

    • Planning how to commit acts of violence

    • Announcing threats or plans for hurting others

    • Obtaining or carrying a weapon

    There is research that indicates that new or active signs are more predictive of short-term risk of violence than historical factors, which may be more predictive of longer-term risk.

    More information on Warning Signs of Youth Violence

    Warning Signs of Suicidal Behavior

    • Talking about dying or wanting to die

    • Talking about feeling empty, hopeless, or having no way out of problems

    • Mentioning strong feelings of guilt and shame

    • Talking about not having a reason to live or that others would be better off without them

    • Social withdrawal and isolation

    • Giving away personal items and wrapping up loose ends

    • Saying goodbye to friends and family

    Less Obvious Suicide Warning Signs

    • Any unusual changes in behavior

    • Changes in sleeping patterns

    • Accessing lethal means

    • Emotional distance

    • Physical pain

    For more detailed information, click here.