Tragedy, Swatting, and Responding to Threats
We want to open this month’s newsletter with a moment of support, compassion, and reflection for the survivors, families, and communities affected by school shootings. Our hearts are with you.?
Since the tragedy at Apalachee High School on September 4, 2024, a rash of swatting incidents broke out across the nation. Per a mid-month report from NPR , hundreds of schools in at least a dozen states are affected—with over 200 false threats in West Virginia alone. ?
Such incidents of false alarms do not come without cost. Not only do they strain community resources as law enforcement responds to each incident, they also cause very real trauma .
Many of us here at Raptor are former educators, and each of us work everyday to protect students and the staff at their schools. ??
??"As someone deeply involved in school safety, I'm finding it challenging to express my feelings as we witnessed another community affected by the tragedy of school violence and the subsequent rise in threats. The emotions of hopelessness, heartache, and anger are overwhelming, especially as a mother. It's easy to be consumed by these feelings but experiencing them alone won't bring about change. In times like these, it's crucial to shift our focus from what we cannot control to the impactful actions we can take every day.??
We often believe that grand gestures are necessary for enhancing school safety, yet the most significant difference comes from connecting with students —listening empathetically, being truly present, and not rushing to solve their problems, but rather understanding them deeply. By taking these actions, we instill hope in both students and ourselves.”?
We can strengthen the safety of our schools—together. Let’s take a look at the nation’s latest developments in that effort.??
K-12 Anonymized Threat Response Toolkit?
On September 25th, the Cybersecurity & Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) released a K-12 Anonymized Threat Response Toolkit to help schools respond to such threats—be they legitimate or swatting incidents.??
The Toolkit offers comprehensive guidance for schools on how to manage anonymized threats effectively, focusing on prevention , collaboration, and crisis response. This includes a Reference Guide that outlines key strategies, emphasizing the importance of establishing multidisciplinary threat assessment teams that include school administrators, law enforcement, and mental health professionals.??
It advocates for fostering a culture of reporting over reposting threats, encouraging early detection without causing unnecessary panic. Preparedness is highlighted through regular drills and clear protocols to scale responses based on threat severity.?
Actionable recommendations include:?
President Biden Signs New Executive Order Aimed at Tackling Firearms Threats and Enhancing School Safety?
President Biden signed an Executive Order on September 26th to tackle significant challenges related to gun safety and school security . The initiative focuses on emerging firearms threats and enhancing the effectiveness of school-based active-shooter drills.?
The order seeks to prevent the spread of undetectable firearms. These include 3D-printed guns and machinegun conversion devices. An interagency task force is established to:?
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2. Improving School-Based Active-Shooter Drills?
The executive order also aims to develop research-based drills that minimize trauma. Special emphasis is placed on protecting students with disabilities and other vulnerable groups. The order highlights:?
The DHS School Safety Clearinghouse External Advisory Board?
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) continues to prioritize the safety of schools and local communities, focusing on preventing targeted violence and improving overall safety measures. Here's a summary of their latest initiatives:?
Webinar on Designing Accessible Public Schools?
In collaboration with the Department of Education, the Justice Department released a virtual training on September 17, 2024, focusing on how to design accessible public school buildings. This training aligns with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and provides valuable insights into making schools more inclusive for students with disabilities.
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FCC Cybersecurity Pilot Program for Schools and Libraries?
The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) announced the opening of the application filing window for the Schools and Libraries Cybersecurity Pilot Program on September 17, 2024, which will close on November 1, 2024. This program offers $200 million over three years to enhance cybersecurity in educational institutions. Schools, libraries, and consortia can apply to receive funding for cybersecurity services and equipment.?
Targeted Violence and Terrorism Prevention (TVTP) Grants – $18M Awarded?
On September 18, 2024, DHS awarded $18 million through the TVTP Grant Program to 35 recipients, including law enforcement, public health, and nonprofit organizations in underserved communities. These grants aim to develop sustainable, community-based violence prevention strategies, pilot innovative approaches, and identify best practices that can be replicated nationwide.?
领英推荐
Join us at the 2024 Raptor SchoolSAFE Conference to gain invaluable insights from Dr. Melissa Reeves, a distinguished expert in school psychology and threat management. With over two decades of experience, Dr. Reeves will be sharing her knowledge in two engaging panels: "The Future of BTA Panel Discussion" and "From Awareness to Action - Early Interventions and Suicide Protocols in Schools."?
My goal at Raptor’s SchoolSAFE Conference is to empower schools with practical, actionable strategies for enhancing student safety and wellbeing. Through my two talks, I intend to bridge the gap between existing initiatives and today’s best research-backed practices, ensuring that educators can maximize their current resources without overwhelming their capacities.?
For suicide prevention, we’ll discuss key frameworks—like MTSS and PBIS—which help build the skills necessary to prevent suicide by fostering relationship-building and connectedness. We’ll also discuss the difference between a suicide risk screening, a suicide risk assessment, and a school-based suicide safety assessment.?
When it comes to the future of behavioral threat assessment and management, adopting a multi-disciplinary approach encourages collaboration with school mental health professionals and community agencies. School/district safety and crisis response teams must include a variety of expertise and perspectives—it helps schools take a balanced approach to safety and ensure a comprehensive strategy for threat assessment protocols.??
Overall, my aim for the conference is to provide insights into how schools can effectively use what they already have rather than adding more to their plates. These panels will highlight how these integrated efforts can create safer, more supportive school environments.
Dr. Melissa Reeves?
On Safety Compliance and Automation?
From A Closer Look Public SchoolWorks Employee Safe Training?
The key to a sustainable safety training program is automation and dedicated support. With limited time and resources, our system ensures that schools are compliant with current mandates and future-proofed as new regulations emerge, all while providing hands-on guidance to new administrators on the ‘why’ behind established programs.
Carrie Mockler, Vice President of Operations, PublicSchoolWORKS, a Raptor Technologies Company.?
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We are thrilled about the upcoming 2024 Raptor School SAFE Conference and the opportunity it presents to advance school safety together. This event is a unique chance to gain critical insights, engage with experts, and enhance your safety protocols through over 60 interactive sessions focused on the most pressing safety issues schools face today.?
Join us on Tuesday, November 5th, 2024, at the Omni Fort Worth Hotel in Fort Worth, TX, and be part of a community dedicated to creating safer learning environments. Don't miss out on invaluable knowledge, inspiring keynotes, and the opportunity to network with other passionate professionals.?
Register before October 11 to secure your spot and take a significant step towards fortifying your school’s safety strategies. We look forward to seeing you there and working together to make our schools safer for everyone.?
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Oct 9-10?
National Conference on Active School Threats – WEST?
Seattle, WA? Embassy Suites by Hilton?
Oct 17?
Region 4 School Safety Expo?
Houston, TX? Region 4 McKinney Conference Center?
Oct 18-19?
MSBA Annual Conference?
Kansas City, MO? Crown Center?
Oct 21-23?
Texas Public Charter Schools Conference?
San Antonio, TX? JW Marriott San Antonio Hill Country Resort & Spa?