After a long period of learning at home this year, students returned to the classroom, but the threat of violence also returned. According to the Superior Police Department, keeping students safe starts with noticing changes.

“It can be someone suddenly having an interest in an area that they didn’t have before. So, if somebody wasn’t really interested in firearms and suddenly they’re really interested in guns,” said Officer Michael Kendall, a Superior Police Department School Resource Officer.

According to Kendall, usually, one behavior change alone isn’t a red flag, so officials tend to look at the bigger picture to determine if there is a threat.

“How does this behavior fit into the context of this person’s life?” said Kendall.

According to Brian Trettin, Principal of Ashland High School, a big part of prevention is also speaking up.

“What we always say is see something, say something,” said Trettin.

Both the State of Wisconsin and the Ashland School District have created reporting systems. They allow students, parents, or even community members to share their concerns.

“Right on our school website we have an anonymous portal where folks can also place things in there,” said Trettin.

According to Trettin, something bad could still happen, so his school has a plan that they practice so students and teachers know what to do.

“It allows folks to make the best decision in the moment if there was ever an active threat,” said Trettin. The districts are using prevention and preparation as a two-pronged approach to student safety.