CLINTONVILLE, WI- Clintonville Superintendent Troy Kuhn sent a letter to parents addressing recent school violence in the country and in Northeast Wisconsin.

The following letter was sent to parents:

Clintonville administration, guidance department and the Clintonville Police Department have debriefed regarding the recent increase in threats within schools. Clintonville schools have also seen an increase in students’ questionable behavior.  We feel there is a need to review safety protocols with students, staff, and parents.  We wanted to reassure you when any threat or weapon “event” occurs within our district, a thorough investigation and threat assessment is completed in conjunction with the local law enforcement.  Some of you have received notifications from administration regarding the conclusion of recent threat assessments within the Clintonville School District.  To be clear, all of our recent threat assessments determined there was no intent to harm any individuals.

We are uncertain as to why there has been an increase of conversations regarding violence and weapons. Today’s climate has increased awareness about guns, violence, and threats in schools.  Recent incidents across the country and those close to home have been extensively covered by local news media.  In addition, technology at students’ fingertips have allowed students to get instant information from a variety of sources.

Safety is our number one priority.  We must continually evaluate the district’s threat response protocol to ensure everyone’s safety.   Not only do we address the current situations, but we must also educate, discuss, review protocol, and provide resources to prevent future situations.  Below is our current plan of action.

• Send a letter home to parents within the district to explain our plan and response to the recent increase in threats.
• Meet with all students within the district (small settings) – Brief discussion of understanding of violence, crisis management, support systems, and severity of threats. (The content for this is currently being created so it is appropriate for each grade level.)
• Understanding that all threats are taken seriously, fully investigated, and appropriate actions are taken once a level of threat has been determined.  This is done by our threat assessment team within each building.  It includes administrators, guidance, and local law enforcement.
• Educate students/staff how to appropriately address a situation in the event they see or hear something.  Also, who they should report their concerns to.
• Review the safe places and person(s) for students to express their thoughts and feelings.
• Give parents guidelines or conversation starters to help facilitate discussions at home regarding proper gun safety and storage in the home – Link

We want to take this opportunity to remind everyone that firearms are not allowed on school grounds or at any school function. Threats of harm to someone can be prosecuted with harsh penalties.