Keeping students and staff safe takes preparation, communication and teamwork.
James A. Garfield Local Schools uses the Comprehensive School Threat Assessment Guidelines (CSTAG) as part of our proactive approach to school safety. Under the leadership of School Resource Officer Emily Ahrens, each building has a threat assessment team that has been trained to respond, investigate and support students when a threat occurs. Every threat assessment teams uses this structured process whenever a threat or concerning behavior is reported.
CSTAG is designed to help our school teams gather information, determine the seriousness of a concern and develop an appropriate response. The process helps distinguish concerns that can be resolved quickly from situations that require additional intervention, safety planning or law enforcement involvement. Just as importantly, it focuses on identifying and addressing the problem behind the behavior before it has an opportunity to escalate.
Our team-based approach brings together school administrators, counselors, law enforcement and other staff members who may have information or expertise that can help us make the best decision possible. No one person is expected to make these decisions alone.
This work is another example of our commitment to being proactive about school safety. Training, strong relationships and open communication help us respond consistently and thoughtfully when concerns arise.
We also continue to remind students, staff and families: If you see or hear something that concerns you, tell someone.
Additional information about CSTAG, including the decision-making process and downloadable threat assessment forms, is available at:
All Aboard — Together… Every Journey Matters.