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Threat Procedures

September 24, 2025

Dear Middle School Parents and Guardians,

In our September Newsletter, I outlined a number of items we reviewed with students in grade level assemblies. One of the topics I briefly touched upon was threatening comments and I shared with you that safety is our top priority. Students were reminded that threatening comments will be taken seriously. We also asked you to be sure to talk about this issue with your student(s), including what they say and do outside of school. Comments or jokes related to threats, even when made in jest, can lead to significant disruptions, investigations, and consequences. 

I wanted to take a little more time than a newsletter would allow to share with you how we handle threatening comments when they are reported at CMS. We recognize that communications like this can feel unsettling, but we believe it is important for families to know the steps we take to keep our school safe.

Threatening comments may come in the form of troubling texts, verbal remarks, or social media posts. While many of these situations ultimately turn out to be non-credible, they can cause significant stress and anxiety for students, staff, and families, and they are always taken seriously.

Because the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) restricts what schools can share about specific student matters, I want to provide an overview of the process we follow in Clarence any time a student makes a threatening comment:

  • Immediate Investigation: As soon as we learn of a threatening statement, we begin a thorough investigation, which includes interviewing witnesses and reviewing available evidence such as security footage.
     
  • Risk Assessment: Once we identify the student involved, a trained staff member conducts an official risk assessment, and law enforcement is contacted.
     
  • Code of Conduct Response: If we find that our Code of Conduct was violated, we suspend the individual from school—often for a period of 5-days along with what is called a “superintendent’s hearing” to see if additional suspension time is warranted.
     
  • Law Enforcement Partnership: Besides the District’s response, members of our local law enforcement conduct their own threat assessment. If they determine there may be cause for concern, they do not hesitate to search the home or make an arrest. We are thankful for the partnership we have developed with the New York State Troopers, as well as the Erie County Sheriff’s Office, and grateful for the role they play in keeping our community safe. We are also grateful to have a SRO, Officer Piel, dedicated to CMS who works closely with local authorities in these situations.

Again, we ask for your partnership in reinforcing this message at home. Please take time to talk with your child about the power of words and the importance of being thoughtful about what they say and do, both in school and online.

Thank you for your support, your understanding, and your ongoing partnership in keeping CMS a safe and respectful learning environment.

Sincerely,
Ashley Dreibelbis
Principal