Our top priority is the safety of our students, staff, and visitors. Our district school safety resources and plans address prevention, intervention, preparedness, building security, and emergency response.
Prevention
ALICE
Begun in 2000, ALICE Training® is a widely adopted, effective method of active shooter response training. When facing extreme violence, a passive lockdown-only response may not always keep us safe. In fact, it’s no longer the preferred response of federal and state agencies. People need options to respond based on their circumstances. Proactive options-based strategies help them feel empowered to make the best decision rather than hopelessly endure a difficult situation. School safety measures are detailed within a K-12 School’s Emergency Operations Plan (EOP) and include procedures to address a wide array of emergencies. Safety measures include training, drills, lockdowns, evacuations, parent-student reunification procedures and emergency communications protocols. ALICE Training is a safety measure that provides training and strategies for effective response to active shooter situations and other acts of violence.
Central City partners with the Linn County Sherriff's Office to prepare our staff. In the fall of 2025, Central City will begin training students. As with other safety drills (fire and tornado), intruder drills will be practiced in our school two times per year. All of our ALICE lessons are tailored to be age-appropriate. More information can be found at www.alicetraining.com.
TALKING TO CHILDREN ABOUT VIOLENCE
Elementary Training Schedule
Middle School Training Schedule
High School Training Schedule
Threat Assessment
Central City implements the Comprehensive School Threat Assessment Guidelines (CSTAG), formerly known as the Virginia Student Threat Assessment Guidelines. Developed by Dr. Dewey Cornell and colleagues at the University of Virginia in 2001, CSTAG is an evidence-based model designed to guide K-12 schools in conducting threat assessments. Extensive field tests and controlled studies have demonstrated its effectiveness, leading to its widespread adoption in Virginia and across the nation. In 2013, the National Registry of Evidence-based Programs and Practices recognized CSTAG as an evidence-based program.
CSTAG Flow Chart
Definitions:
Transient: A transient threat is a statement that doesn't indicate a serious intent to harm someone. Transient threats are often made in the moment, or are rhetorical remarks, and can be resolved quickly. Solved at the school level.
Substantive: A substantive threat is a serious threat that involves a sustained intent to harm someone. This harm includes a threat to hit, fight, or beat up. Substantive threats require protective action to prevent the threat from being carried out. Law enforcement is brought in to continue the threat assessment with the school team.
Serious Substantive: A serious substantive threat involves a sustained intent to either kill, rape, or cause very serious injury with a weapon. Law enforcement is brought in to continue the threat assessment with the school team.
Communication of Threats:
- Student-to-Student Threat: If a threat is directly made from one student to another communication will occur to the families of both the students.
- Threat made in classroom: If a threat is made in the classroom where multiple students hear the threat, communication will occur to the families of the students in the classroom.
- Schoolwide Threat: If a schoolwide threat occurs, typically in the fashion of a social media post, communication will occur to all families of the district.
Board Policy 503.7 is relation to Threats of Violence by Students
Please see Board Policy 503.7 for discipline of students who make threats of violence. Two considerations for this policy:
- Age of student
- Disability of a student
If a students age or disability impacts their understanding of what a threat is or means must be taken into consideration when disciplining.
See here for more information on Discipline of Students with Individualized Education Plans (IEPS).