How Northshore Responds When a Threat Is Reported

At Northshore School District, the safety and well-being of our students and staff is our highest priority. When we receive a report of a threat - whether through SafeSchools Alert or directly to our staff - we respond quickly, carefully, and collaboratively. Below is a summary of our standard response protocol so families and staff understand how we act and what to expect. 

1. Immediate response & reporting 

Any reported threat is taken seriously. We encourage staff, students, and families to report concerns immediately using our anonymous reporting tools (such as SafeSchools Alert) or by notifying school administration.  

2. Rapid notification & initial safety actions 

Upon receiving a report, school administrators immediately notify District Safety & Security, local law enforcement (including the School Resource Officer, if assigned), and district communications leadership. If an incident is imminent, we will implement appropriate safety actions such as Secure or Hold, restricted building access, or other measures recommended by law enforcement. 

3. Investigation & threat assessment 

An investigation is conducted collaboratively with the student and their family, District Safety & Security, and law enforcement to determine credibility and risk level. A Threat Assessment is conducted and evaluates factors including the specificity, plausibility, motive, and history associated with the reported threat.  

4. Emergency Removal (temporary) when necessary 

If the investigation and threat assessment are expected to take time and there is a safety concern, the district may emergency remove the student(s) involved on a temporary basis until the assessment and investigation are completed. Emergency removal is a short-term safety measure to protect the school community while the facts are clarified, and appropriate interventions or disciplinary steps are determined. 

5. Communications 

We coordinate all public messaging with law enforcement and our communications team to ensure accuracy and protect privacy. We do not release specific investigative details or student-identifying information. If rumors circulate, the district may issue brief “Rumor Control” statements to clarify facts without compromising the investigation. 

6. Operational precautions 

During investigations we may increase on-site security, limit building access, cancel or relocate events, or temporarily shift to remote learning, always in coordination with law enforcement and district leadership. 

7. After-action review and prevention 

Following resolution, we debrief with school staff, District Safety & Security, and law enforcement to review response time, communication, and outcomes. We use these reviews to look for ways to improve our processes and the things we would need to do differently moving forward.  

Quick Tips for Families and Staff 

• Report suspicious or threatening behavior immediately. Concerns can always be anonymously submitted using our Safe Schools Alert System:  
  • Call - 855-521-2665  
  • Text - 855-521-2665
  • Email - 1414@alert1.us
  • Website - 1414.alert1.us 

• Do not respond to or repost threatening content. Let law enforcement and school staff handle it. 

• Talk with your students about appropriate online behavior and how to report concerns. 

• Reach out to school counselors if your student needs support. 

Resources & References 

Our approach follows widely accepted threat-assessment frameworks, including guidance from the U.S. Secret Service’s National Threat Assessment Center and federal school safety resources. If you have questions about the district protocols or need help reporting a problem, please contact your school office or our district’s District Safety & Security Department.