Comprehensive School Threat Assessment Guidelines (CSTAG)
DYRSD Comprehensive School Threat Assessment Guidelines (CSTAG)
The Dennis-Yarmouth Regional School District uses the Comprehensive School Threat Assessment Guidelines (CSTAG), a research-based approach that helps schools identify, assess, and respond to potential threats in a safe, fair, and supportive way. The goal of threat assessment is prevention, helping students resolve problems before situations become more serious.
A threat is any spoken, written, digital, or behavioral expression that suggests someone may want to harm another person. All concerning statements or behaviors are taken seriously and reviewed by trained school staff.
Some threats are considered “transient threats,” meaning they are not serious and may result from frustration, anger, or joking. These situations are often resolved quickly through conversation, problem-solving, and support. More serious concerns, called “substantive threats,” require additional assessment and safety planning.
The CSTAG process follows five steps:
- Evaluate the threat
- Attempt to resolve the threat as transient
- Respond to a substantive threat
- Conduct a safety evaluation for very serious threats
- Implement and monitor a safety plan
Each school has a trained Threat Assessment Team that may include:
- School principal or assistant principal
- School resource officer
- School psychologist
- School counselor
- School social worker
Additional important information:
- When a threat is made or determined to be substantive, the school will communicate with parents/guardians and, when appropriate, staff and community members regarding safety measures and next steps while maintaining student privacy rights. Communication may occur through phone calls, emails, and ParentSquare.
- Parents, guardians, students, or community members who have concerns about a potential threat or concerning behavior should contact the school principal, school counselor, or local law enforcement immediately.
- Information gathered during the threat assessment process is handled confidentially and in accordance with the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) and other applicable privacy laws. Student information is only shared with individuals who have a legitimate educational or safety-related need to know.
The purpose of the Threat Assessment Team is to support student safety, provide appropriate interventions, and maintain a positive school environment for all students and staff.