Proposed Policy for Elementary Students
Title: Elementary School Safety Policy – Threat of Serious Harm
Policy Statement

North Salem Central School District is committed to maintaining a safe, nurturing, and developmentally supportive environment for all elementary students. Any threat made by a student to cause serious physical harm or to take another student’s life will result in immediate and age-appropriate disciplinary action, including out-of-school suspension, along with a support plan upon reentry.

 
Definition of a Threat
A threat is defined as any verbal, written, physical, or digital communication that implies or directly states an intent to seriously harm or end the life of another student. While elementary-aged children may not fully understand the gravity of such statements, it is crucial that all threats are taken seriously and addressed promptly.

Policy Application
This policy applies to all elementary students (grades K–5), including threats made:

• On school grounds or buses
• During school-sponsored activities
• Through written or digital communication, even outside of school, if it impacts the learning environment

Procedure

Immediate Safety Response

• Ensure the targeted student is safe and emotionally supported.
• Remove the student who made the threat from the classroom pending a full investigation.
• Notify school counselors and law enforcement (district SRO).

Parental Notification

• Immediate contact with the parents/guardians of all students involved.
• Transparency and cooperation throughout the review process.

Investigation

• Age-appropriate inquiry by administrators and counselors.
• Consideration of intent, understanding, and any prior behavioral concerns.

Disciplinary Action

• If a threat is confirmed to be serious the student will receive a 1–5 day out-of-school suspension.
• Length of suspension will reflect the nature and severity of the incident.
• Students will be provided academic support to keep up with missed work.
   

Support Plan for the Student Who Made the Threat

Once a threat is made and the investigation is completed, the student will be required to participate in behavioral support, developed collaboratively by school staff, mental health professionals, and the student’s family.

The support plan may include the following components:

• A mandatory reentry meeting (if suspended) with the student, parent/guardian, school administrator, counselor, and if appropriate, the school psychologist or social worker.
• A behavior intervention plan (BIP) tailored to the child’s developmental level and behavioral needs.
• Counseling services, either school-based or referred to a licensed child therapist, to address underlying behavioral, emotional, or social concerns.
• Regular check-ins with school support staff (e.g., school counselor, behavior specialist).
• Restorative conversations or conflict resolution, if appropriate and safe for both students.
• Monitoring of progress and adjustment of supports as needed.

This plan aims to help the student understand the seriousness of their actions, learn appropriate ways to manage conflict and emotion, and successfully reintegrate (if suspended) into the school community.

Support for the Targeted Student
The student who was threatened will also receive support, including:

• Immediate and ongoing counseling services
• Family communication and involvement
• Safety planning and emotional support as needed

 
Why This Matters

• Even in elementary school, students deserve to feel physically and emotionally safe.
• Clear policies help school staff respond fairly and consistently.
• Children who make threats need both firm consequences and compassionate support to learn safe, respectful behavior.
• The safety of all children must come before ambiguity in disciplinary action.
   

Action Requested
We ask the North Salem Central School District Board of Education to:

• Review this petition and proposed policy
• Place the issue on the next school board meeting agenda
• Adopt a formal policy for handling life-threatening threats at the elementary level