From Contributed Reports

Jefferson County Schools participated in a panel discussion moderated by TN Department of Education Safety Mentor, Mandy Schneitman regarding their success in conducting Threat Assessment in schools.

Director of Schools Dr. Tommy Arnold, spoke to the increasing number of Threat Assessments schools are conducting and his expectations for school administration teams.

In addition, Arnold emphasized communication and collaboration with the Sheriff’s office and families are vital when dealing with threats in our schools.

Supervisor of Student Support Services Carrie Trent oversees the Threat Assessment process to ensure thorough investigations are completed by supporting school teams when a threat is reported.

Jefferson County Sheriff, Jeff Coffey shared examples of the types of threats our schools have received and how his office responds. Coffey also spoke to how the “See Something, Hear Something, Say Something” campaign that was established in Jefferson County Schools last year helped bring awareness for people to report threats.

Melanie Simpson, Principal at Jefferson Middle School, and Julie Allen, Principal at Piedmont Elementary School shared how their Threat Assessment Teams utilize safety plans, student support plans and how their partnerships with Allied Behavioral Health Solutions gives students needed resources.

Simpson shared a student success story involving this process and how it has completely changed how this particular student interacts with others.

Adam Jefferson, SRO at Jefferson Middle spoke to the importance of SROs becoming involved in the school environment and making positive connections with students.