ISD 728 Secondary School Families
Correspondence from ISD 728 School: As a school district, we are committed to creating and sustaining a comprehensive, coordinated effort to improve the overall safety and well-being of our students, educators, administrators, and the community at large.
To do this, we believe this must involve community-wide programs and initiatives involving parents, teachers, administrators, local law enforcement, mental health and wellness professionals, and elected officials to take meaningful action to protect our students.
ISD 728 is pleased to announce that our middle and high schools in the district will be launching the Say Something Anonymous Reporting System (SS-ARS). During the week of September 18, 2023, students and staff will learn how to recognize warning signals and threats, on social media, in school, or in their community, of individuals who may be a threat to themselves or others and Say Something to a trusted adult OR use the anonymous reporting system. Specifically, the program educates students and adult participants to:
Recognize the signs and threats of at-risk behaviors
Take every sign and signal seriously and act quickly to get help by talking to a trusted adult, OR
Report it anonymously to the SS-ARS 24/7/365 Crisis Center via a mobile app, website, or telephone hotline
Understand how submitted tips are overseen by a designated school team using a tip management system
Reinforce the awareness via student clubs, in-school activities, and call-to-action weeks
Our students are often aware of the problems their peers are facing, and we must empower them to recognize the danger signs and give them the tools to help each other with the assistance of trained, caring adults. As you know, most conversations are taking place on social media, therefore it is critical that we teach our students to look out for one another as these digital conversations are taking place. SS-ARS teaches them what to look for in text, video and photos while empowering them to act quickly to help a fellow student. The program also teaches students to recognize at-risk behaviors in friends and classmates at school and in their local community.
The SS-ARS program is provided by Sandy Hook Promise (SHP), a nationwide non-profit organization. SHP’s programs are in 50 states – with 14,000+ schools and over 12 million students and adults trained. They have a track record, reputation, and knowledge of how to work effectively with kids, parents, and teachers to improve school safety and culture. The program is age-appropriate and research-based. To date, SS-ARS and other SHP prevention programs have helped stop multiple school shootings, suicides, and gun threats. The program has reduced bullying and cyberbullying, intervened upon cutting, drug use, and other violent acts.
Our school district provides parents with the option to remove their child from these safety trainings. If you have questions or concerns or to opt your child out of this training, please do not hesitate to reach out to your student’s principal directly. You can also find additional information on the ISD 728 Prevention & Safety Website.