Pennsylvania School Code (ACT 44) requires school districts to notify parents/guardians and employees within 24 hours whenever an individual is found in possession of a weapon* on school property.
In Pennsbury, our existing guidelines to notify our school community in a timely and accurate manner whenever there is a weapon or threat made against a school have been in place for several years. This law now requires all school districts in Pennsylvania to do the same (The PA requirement has no mention of threats).
In an effort to provide you with a clear picture of how we determine the communication regarding weapons and threats, I am sharing the following information:
District Notification Protocols
To provide our community with timely and accurate information, Pennsbury has established a leveled notification process based on each situation.
Leveled Notification Overview
Level 1: Low-Level Safety Concern
Weapon situations involving items that meet the legal definition of a weapon, but:
- Were not brought with harmful intent
- Were not displayed or used
- Presented minimal immediate risk
- Often accidental in nature
Examples may include:
- A small pocketknife, unintentionally left in a backpack
- A multi-tool with a blade found in a coat pocket or lunchbox
- A plastic, foam, or toy replica used as part of a costume or activity
Non-descriptive or targeted threats:
Threats that are general in nature and do not target any particular school or district.
Example: Social media post that says "Student in US high schools shouldn't go to school today.
Level 2: Moderate Safety Concern
Weapon situations involving items capable of causing harm that were:
- Accessible or visible
- Handled in an unsafe or irresponsible manner
- Not used to threaten or injure others
Examples may include:
- A knife found in a locker or backpack
- A box cutter or razor blade shown to another student
- A realistic-looking replica weapon
Threats that do not include specific information:
Example: Note found on a wall that says, "Don't come to school tomorrow."
Level 3: Significant Safety Concern
Weapon situations involving:
- Firearms or explosive devices
- High-risk weapons
- Any item used, displayed, or referenced in a threatening or intimidating way.
Examples may include:
- Firearms, including BB guns or airsoft guns
- Shotguns or rifles
- Any weapon used to threaten, intimidate, or harm another person
Threats that are specific in nature (including a school, time, date, etc.)
Example: A post, note, or tip with specific information
Please note the following:
- Local law enforcement is contacted regarding any weapon or threat.
- The District thoroughly investigates any safety-related matter.
- Violations of District policy result in disciplinary consequences for the student.
Notification Timelines
All notifications, regardless of level, are sent within 24 hours.
- Level 1: Notification sent to families and staff of the impacted school within 24 hours.
- Level 2: Notification sent to families and staff of the impacted school the same day of the incident, likely before the end of the school day.
- Level 3: Notification sent immediately to families and staff of the impacted school; when appropriate, communication may extend to the broader District community.
*As per, PSD policy, weapons shall include but not be limited to any knife, cutting instrument, cutting tool, nunchaku, firearm, shotgun, rifle, replica of a weapon, and any other tool, instrument or implement capable of inflicting serious bodily injury. Click this link to access PSD Policy 218.1