Safety and Security
Keeping Our Schools Safe
The safety and security of our students, staff, and visitors is a top priority of the Shikellamy School District. We are committed to maintaining safe, secure, and welcoming learning environments across all of our schools and facilities.
Safety is a shared responsibility. Our district works collaboratively with school administrators, the Shikellamy School District Police Department, local law enforcement and emergency response agencies, staff, students, families, and community partners to promote a safe school environment.
Shikellamy School District Police Department
The Shikellamy School District Police Department works with district administration and school staff to support the safety and security of our schools. Our school police officers help coordinate school safety efforts, respond to concerns, and work with local law enforcement and emergency services when appropriate.
Our school police officers maintain home-base offices at Shikellamy High School and Shikellamy Middle School and routinely travel throughout the district to provide safety and security support at all Shikellamy schools.
Chief Shawn M. Williams
Shikellamy School District Police Department
Home Base: Shikellamy High School
Office: 570-286-3702 ext. 2377
Cell: 570-336-0356
Fax: 570-286-3775
Email: williams@shikbraves.org
Chief Williams is a retired member of the Pennsylvania State Police Criminal Investigation Assessment Unit.
Officer Brian Ronk
Shikellamy School District Police Department
Home Base: Shikellamy Middle School
Office: 570-286-3736 ext. 2470
Email: ronkb@shikbraves.org
Officer Ronk works with students, staff, and administration to promote a safe and secure school environment and routinely provides support throughout the district.
Threat Assessment
The safety and well-being of our students, staff, and school community is a top priority of the Shikellamy School District. As part of our commitment to maintaining safe schools, the district has established trained Threat Assessment Teams to identify, assess, and respond to concerning behavior or communications that may indicate a potential threat to the safety of an individual or others.
What is Threat Assessment?
Threat assessment is a proactive process used to identify and evaluate concerning behavior, statements, communications, or other situations that may indicate a potential threat to the safety of students, staff, school facilities, or others.
The purpose of the threat assessment process is to understand the circumstances surrounding a concern, assess the level of risk, and determine appropriate interventions and supports. The goal is to address concerns early, promote safety, and provide individuals with appropriate assistance and resources.
Threat Assessment Teams may also assess and respond to concerns involving self-harm or suicide risk factors or warning signs.
Shikellamy Threat Assessment Teams
The Shikellamy School District maintains trained Threat Assessment Teams to respond to concerns involving potential threats to the safety of students, staff, school facilities, or others.
Threat Assessment Teams may work collaboratively with school administrators, school counselors, school psychologists, school nurses, school police, other school personnel, families, mental health professionals, and local law enforcement when appropriate.
The threat assessment process may include:
- Reviewing concerning behavior, statements, or communications
- Gathering information to better understand the situation
- Assessing the level of concern and potential risk
- Developing appropriate interventions and safety measures
- Connecting students and families with appropriate supports and resources
- Coordinating with law enforcement or other agencies when necessary
- Monitoring and following up on concerns as appropriate
Threat assessment is intended to be a preventative and supportive process. The purpose is to identify concerns early, assess the level of risk, and take appropriate steps to maintain a safe and supportive school environment.
Reporting a Concern
Everyone has a role in maintaining a safe school environment. Students, staff, parents/guardians, and community members are encouraged to report concerning behavior, statements, communications, or other information that may indicate a potential threat or safety concern.
Concerns can be reported to a school administrator, school counselor, school police officer, or another trusted school staff member.
Concerns may also be reported through Safe2Say Something, Pennsylvania's anonymous reporting system.
If you believe there is an immediate threat to someone's safety, call 911.
Additional Information
The Shikellamy School District follows Pennsylvania requirements and guidance regarding school-based threat assessment.
For additional information about threat assessment in Pennsylvania schools, visit the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency's Threat Assessment resources
Click Here for the Threat Assessment policy.
Pennsylvania Threat Assessment Resources
The Shikellamy School District follows Pennsylvania requirements and guidance regarding school-based threat assessment.
For additional information about threat assessment in Pennsylvania schools, visit the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency's School Safety and Security resources.
Safe2Say Something
Students, staff, and community members can use Safe2Say Something to anonymously report concerns related to school safety, threats, bullying, self-harm, or other potentially dangerous situations.
Safe2Say Something:
https://www.safe2saypa.org/
Safe2Say Something is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
School Safety & Emergency Preparedness
The Shikellamy School District regularly reviews and updates its school safety and emergency preparedness practices. District and school administrators work with law enforcement, emergency responders, and other community partners to prepare for a variety of potential emergencies.
Safety efforts include:
- Emergency preparedness and response planning
- Collaboration with local law enforcement and emergency responders
- School safety drills and exercises
- Building security and access procedures
- Communication procedures for emergencies
- Staff training and preparedness
- Identification and reporting of safety concerns
- Ongoing review of school safety practices
Specific security procedures are not publicly posted in order to protect the safety and security of our students, staff, and facilities.
Our Commitment
The Shikellamy School District is committed to creating schools where students feel safe, supported, and ready to learn. We will continue to work with our staff, families, law enforcement partners, and community to strengthen school safety and ensure that the well-being of our students remains our highest priority.
If you have a question or concern regarding school safety, please contact your child's school or the Shikellamy School District Police Department.