MEDWAY — Director of Wellness Dr. Ryan Sherman, Middle School Principal Amanda Luizzi and High School Principal John Murray are pleased to share that the Sandy Hook Promise Say Something Anonymous Reporting System (SS-ARS) has recently been implemented at both schools.
SS-ARS is a holistic program combining education about the warning signs of potential violence or self-harm with the tools to safely report concerns.
The Say Something Anonymous Reporting System enables students to anonymously report troubling situations or behaviors, including something that may indicate a safety threat at school, bullying, abuse, substance use, a mental health concern, or concerns about a classmate who may be at risk of harming themselves or others. The service is available 24/7/365.
The program launched in Medway in early October. Students can submit tips via the SS-ARS mobile application or website, a link on Medway Public Schools Chromebooks or the 24/7 crisis hotline, 1-844-5-SayNow.
While using the anonymous reporting system, students are able to respond to prompts, as well as submit free text, photos/screenshots or other files. Information submitted through the program go directly to trained crisis counselors who respond within seconds to begin asking follow-up questions and evaluating the situation. Tips are transferred to Medway school administrators. Tips that may require police intervention are then transferred by Medway Schools administration to Medway Police dispatch for further action.
“With social media being one of our students’ main forms of communication, the SS-ARS program provides students with a secure and anonymous platform they can use to proactively contribute to the safety of their peers and the entire school community,” Dr. Sherman said.
About Sandy Hook Promise:
The mission of Sandy Hook Promise is to educate and empower youth and adults to prevent violence in schools, homes, and communities. Through proven, evidence-informed Know the Signs programs and sensible, bipartisan school and gun safety legislation, Sandy Hook Promise teaches young people and adults to recognize, intervene, and get help for individuals who may be socially isolated and/or at risk of hurting themselves or others.
The Say Something Anonymous Reporting System is in over 120 school districts across the country.
To learn more about Sandy Hook Promise, click here.
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