Editor’s note: TTUSD’s Safety Nights information:
Truckee School Safety Night
Tuesday, Nov. 12, from 6 to 7 p.m.
Alder Creek Middle School, Cafetorium
Lakeside School Safety Night
Wednesday, Nov. 13, from 6 to 7:00 p.m.
North Tahoe High School, Auditorium
On Sept. 25, the New York Times reported, “After a Georgia school shooting this month, the number of threats across the U.S. is much higher than usual, officials said. Almost 10% of those arrested were 12 or younger.” By the Times’ count, more than 700 students were arrested.
The Tahoe Truckee Unified School District was not immune. On Sept. 13, parents were alerted of the following, in part, via email:
We’d like to notify you that a threatening comment posted on Truckee High School Leadership social media page in conjunction with this evening’s football game was brought to our attention. We immediately notified law enforcement, and they are investigating the situation. Law enforcement agrees that it’s appropriate to proceed with the games tonight.
Extra safety measures, the email added, would be in effect. The game took place without incident, and the THS Wolverines won.
As tensions heighten, we requested TTUSD provide an explanation on how the district formally approaches such threats.
~ AH
What is Tahoe Truckee Unified School District’s policy on internal threats to safety, such as weapons? Is there a strike system? Different responses for different age groups a threat comes from (an elementary student, for example, versus a high schooler)? What other resources are utilized?
At TTUSD, we prioritize the safety and well-being of our students, staff, and the school community. We understand the importance of feeling secure on campus and ensuring that our families know the ones they hold most precious are safe in our care. That’s why we’ve implemented comprehensive protocols to address all types of threats, including those involving weapons.
When a threat is reported, our trained staff follow a multi-step process to assess the situation and take appropriate action. This process applies to various threats, such as verbal threats (including bullying, harassment, or physical harm), physical altercations, and social media threats.
Each incident is evaluated individually, considering the specific context and nuances involved. Our goal is to provide tailored responses that address each situation’s unique needs.
Here’s a breakdown of our response process:
Immediate Investigation: School administrators conduct a thorough investigation, gathering information and interviewing witnesses to understand the nature of the threat.
Threat Assessment: If a threat is confirmed, a comprehensive threat assessment, using a district-wide tool, is conducted to identify potential safety risks and determine appropriate actions. Student age is a factor when utilizing the threat assessment.
Communication: In cases of immediate or widespread threats, we notify appropriate members of the TTUSD community, including parents, students, and staff. We may also contact local law enforcement for assistance.
Safety Protocols: We implement security measures, such as increased police presence, lockdowns, or schedule modifications, as needed.
Disciplinary Action: Disciplinary measures are taken in accordance with the district discipline matrix, which is aligned with the California Education Code. Although we don’t use the term “strikes,” measures are tailored to specific circumstances of the incident, considering the student’s age, past behavior, and the severity of the threat.
Interventions and Support Services: We offer counseling, social services, and other support resources to students and families involved in and affected by threats. We also consider referrals for out-of-school medical support, mental or behavioral health support, social service support, or law enforcement support.
If there is concern a weapon could be on campus, we follow a similar process, but also take immediate steps to isolate the student and their belongings. The district then conducts appropriate and lawful searches and calls in law enforcement if necessary.
By following this structured approach, TTUSD aims to ensure the safety of its students and staff while adhering to state and federal laws.
We also have various safety measures to prevent and respond to threats, including:
Comprehensive School Safety Plans: Our administrators, district staff, school site councils, local law enforcement, and fire authorities review Comprehensive School Safety Plans for each site annually. California requires these plans, which include strategies to prevent and educate about potential incidents involving crime and violence on school campuses and aspects of social, emotional, and physical safety.
Single Point of Entry: Schools lock all exterior doors and gates, and only the main entrance is open during school hours. After an initial remote screening at the exterior door, visitors provide their state-issued ID for a quick background check that includes the sex offender registry. Then, they are given a visitor’s pass and granted access.
Regular Safety Drills: Conducting drills helps our students and staff practice emergency procedures and become familiar with safety protocols.
ALICE Training: This proactive options-based strategy program equips staff and students with the tools and knowledge to respond effectively to potential violent threats. ALICE [which stands for Alert – Lockdown – Inform – Counter – Evacuate] emphasizes active decision-making and empowers individuals to respond based on their specific situations, comfort, and safety levels. Our commitment to this vital program is demonstrated by the fact that 28 TTUSD staff members underwent a 2-day, in-person ALICE training to become certified trainers.
Anonymous Reporting Systems: We offer anonymous reporting channels. We are transitioning to STOPit, an app, website, and telephone hotline that allows individuals to anonymously report safety, misconduct, or compliance concerns without fear of retaliation.
Securly: We use a technology system that monitors emails, web searches, and documents for threats of violence, self-harm, and nudity. Administrators are immediately notified if students perform any concerning language or searches so they can intervene with appropriate interventions or supports.
Strong Partnerships with Local Law Enforcement: We regularly correspond and partner with regional law enforcement to maintain open lines of communication and coordinated efforts.
Our Truckee/North Tahoe community, families, and students are critical to maintaining a safe environment. Please help reinforce the “See Something, Hear Something, Say Something” practice. It’s crucial that our students and families report any behaviors they witness or hear about that could harm or distress students or staff members. Our schools remain safe when we are all active participants in maintaining a secure and supportive school environment.
To address concerns about school safety, we’re planning a TTUSD Safety Information Night in November, one lakeside and one in Truckee. Join us as we partner with local law enforcement to discuss our school safety plans and offer an opportunity to address any questions you may have. More details will be shared soon with our TTUSD families and students.
Thank you to our entire TTUSD community for your continued support in creating a safe and supportive learning environment for our students.
~ TTUSD Superintendent Chief Learning Officer Kerstin Kramer
