Safety Threat FAQs

The safety of our students, staff and schools is Huntley 158’s top priority. If and when there is an incident or situation that may impact school safety, Huntley 158 follows specific protocols and procedures. See below for some Frequently Asked Questions. 

What constitutes a safety threat? 

A safety threat is considered a threat to harm oneself or others and can come in the form of a verbal threat, a threatening post on social media, physical aggression and/or weapons or potentially harmful objects found on school grounds. 

Threats may be categorized as transient threats (non-credible) or substantive threats (credible). 

• A transient threat (also referred to as a non-credible threat) is a statement that does not express a lasting intent to harm someone. It is either intended as a figure of speech or reflects feelings that dissipate in a short period. It does not require protective action because there is no sustained intent to carry out the threat. 
• A substantive threat (also referred to as a credible threat) is a statement that expresses a continuing intent to harm another person that extends beyond the immediate incident or argument. 

Who can report a safety threat or concern? 

Anyone (staff member, student, parent, etc.) can report a safety concern to school administration or other trusted adult or via the Student Helpline. School safety is everyone’s responsibility. We promote the motto: If you see something, say something. 

What happens when a safety threat or concern is brought to the school’s attention? 

Administration and law enforcement are notified (see step 1 below) and a Student Safety Assessment is conducted. The assessment is a series of steps enacted to help determine if a student poses a threat of violence to self, others, or the school community. The goal is to take steps to intervene to avert the threat and maintain the safety of all students and staff. 

Who conducts the Student Safety Assessment?

Members of the school’s crisis team, comprised of school administrators, counselors, social workers, psychologists and a Campus Resource Officer, conduct Student Safety Assessments.  

What does the Student Safety Assessment look like? 

See below for the steps involved in a Student Safety Assessment. 

1. Identify the student(s) involved and report the threat to administration. Administration notifies the Chief Safety & Security Officer and/or School Resource Officer and the Superintendent.
2. Gather information about the situation to determine the validity and scope of the threat. This process typically involves interviews/discussion with the student who made the threat (as well as contact with the family) and any other student(s) or staff members involved. If there are reasons for concern, steps 3 and 4 below are followed. If there is no reason for concern, the case may be closed. 
3. Discuss and assess the level of risk. Implement appropriate interventions and/or a safety plan. Note: If a threat is deemed substantive/credible and possible danger is imminent, immediate, proactive safety measures will be taken, such as implementing a Hold in Place and Teach (if inside the building) or a Secure the Building and Teach (if outside the building). For more information on these protocols, visit our safety protocols web page. 
4. Refer student to appropriate personnel, services or supports. Monitor and re-evaluate the safety plan as needed. 

Are there consequences for a student who does or says something that threatens the safety of others? 

Yes, whether a threat is credible or not, students face consequences for their actions and behavior according to Board Policy 7.190 and Huntley 158’s Student Handbook (see section called Behavior and Discipline). Disciplinary action depends on the situation and student(s) involved. Actions taken include but are not limited to restorative practices and interventions to detention, suspension and expulsion.

What kind of interventions and/or supports does the school provide for students? 

Huntley 158 uses a number of proactive measures to model and teach appropriate behavior, ensure a safe learning environment, and monitor students’ well-being.

• A social-emotional screener called Satchel Pulse is given to students in grades K-12 twice yearly to gauge their social-emotional well-being. Social Emotional Learning (SEL) is the process through which students acquire and apply the knowledge, skills, and attitudes to develop healthy self-concepts, manage emotions, and achieve personal and collective goals, feel and show empathy for others, establish and maintain supportive relationships, and make responsible and caring decisions. The screener allows the school to provide any needed interventions, resources and supports for students in need. Results are shared with parents, who can provide feedback about the screener and their child. 
• Students are educated about expected behavior at school and at home through programs like CHAMPS (Conversation, Help, Activity, Movement, Participation, and Success). Behavior issues are addressed individually and, when appropriate, during class through a restorative practice known as “community circles.” 
• In middle and high school, students learn about mental health through programs that address depression, anxiety and suicide awareness. 
• Social workers, school counselors, teachers, administrators, support staff and School Resource Officers are all here to support students. Our goal is that every student has a trusted adult whom they can turn to if they need help or want to report a concern.  

Will parents always be informed about when school safety threats occur? If so, what information will be communicated?

If a safety threat or medical issue disrupts the educational environment and results in action, such as a hold in place and teach, we will communicate with families. A brief overview of the situation will be provided as well as a description of how it impacted the school day. We will not include personal information about the student(s) involved or details that could impede a police investigation. It can take some time to conduct a threat investigation. Our goal is to get accurate information out to families as quickly as possible.

Why do non-credible threats happen?
The vast majority of safety threats coming from students are transient or non-credible. Students who make these types of threats do so for a variety of reasons, sometimes as a joke, to get a reaction, or out of curiosity, anger or frustration. They may exercise poor judgment, and say and do things not considering the potential impact and consequences. Huntley 158 takes ALL safety threats seriously. While we strive for clear, proactive communication, we try to balance this with the need to protect and support our students and not cause unnecessary alarm. 

School safety requires an “all hands on deck” approach. To learn about how you - parents, guardians and family members - can help with school safety, please visit the Safety Tips for Families webpage.