Recognizing Threats Before They Escalate

In this episode of Coffee with Kelly, we explore why a threat should be taken seriously regardless of where it comes from—whether it is an AI-generated message, a suspicious person near campus, a parent displaying escalating behavior, or even a member of school staff. We look at how concerning behaviors can develop long before a crisis, why context matters when assessing individual warning signs, and how documentation helps schools recognize escalation over time. We also discuss the importance of established relationships with law enforcement and other community partners so schools know who to contact, what to share, and when to act. Recognize the threats before they escalate—the earlier we recognize the pattern, the more opportunities we have to intervene.

Join us as we explore how schools can recognize concerning behavior, document escalation, and work with trusted partners to intervene before a threat becomes a crisis.