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School Safety and Threat Assessment

Keeping Our Schools Safe

The Rochester Area School District is dedicated to maintaining a safe, welcoming, and supportive learning environment for every student. In accordance with Pennsylvania Act 55 of 2022, each school building has a trained Threat Assessment Team that works proactively to identify and address potential concerns before they escalate.

These teams help to:

  • Recognize and respond to potential safety concerns early

  • Ensure situations are addressed fairly, consistently, and appropriately

  • Connect students with needed supports and interventions

  • Promote student well-being while maintaining a positive school climate

All threat assessment practices follow the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency (PCCD) Model K–12 Threat Assessment Guidelines.

Student Privacy

Protecting student privacy is a priority. All information related to threat assessment and safety concerns is handled confidentially and in compliance with the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA).

Ongoing Staff Training

District staff receive ongoing training in areas including:

  • Annual threat assessment procedures

  • Recognizing and reporting safety concerns

  • Identifying students who may be at risk

  • School safety and emergency preparedness drills

How Families Can Report a Concern

In an Emergency

If a situation poses an immediate threat to safety or involves a life-threatening emergency, call 9-1-1 immediately.

Talk With Us

Students and families are encouraged to share concerns with a trusted school staff member, including:

  • Teachers

  • School counselors or social workers

  • Principals

  • Deans of students

Open communication between families and schools is one of the most effective ways to support student safety and well-being.

Safe2Say Something

Safe2Say Something is a confidential reporting system available to students, staff, and families for reporting concerns about potentially harmful, threatening, or unsafe behavior.

Ways to Submit a Tip

  • Mobile App (available free for Apple and Android devices)

  • Website: www.safe2saypa.org

  • Phone: 1-844-SAF2SAY (1-844-723-2729), available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week

What Happens After a Report Is Submitted?

  • A trained crisis center reviews every report

  • Information is shared with school officials and/or law enforcement when appropriate

  • Follow-up actions may occur while protecting the identity of the person making the report whenever possible

Why Safe2Say Something Matters

Developed by Sandy Hook Promise, the program helps communities:

  • Recognize warning signs early, including concerning online behavior

  • Encourage students and adults to speak up when they see something concerning

  • Prevent situations from escalating into crises

Our Commitment to Families

School safety is a shared responsibility, and we value our partnership with families in creating a secure learning environment.

Families can help by:

  • Encouraging their child to speak up when something does not feel right

  • Reporting concerns directly to the school or through Safe2Say Something

  • Contacting 9-1-1 during emergencies

Together, we can help ensure every student learns in a safe, supportive, and caring environment.

Links & Resources