The Acalanes Union High School District is committed to our continual effort to improve the overall safety and well-being of our students and staff. As part of these efforts, we partnered last year with
Sandy Hook Promise
(SHP), a non-profit foundation that formed after the Sandy Hook tragedy and provides free programming for schools across the country.
We are pleased to launch the SHP Say Something - Anonymous Reporting System (SS-ARS) next week. This program expands upon our schools' "say something" efforts and further teaches students how to recognize warning signs and signals (especially within social media) of individuals who may be a threat to themselves or others and say something to a trusted adult OR use its anonymous reporting system to share their concern. Specifically, the program educates participants to:
- Recognize the signs and signals of at-risk behaviors
- Take every sign and signal seriously; act quickly to get help by talking to a trusted adult OR
- Report it anonymously through the SS-ARS mobile app, website or calling directly to the 24/7 SHP Crisis Center
Teams within the school can then respond to the anonymous tip as appropriate.
The launch of the program is planned for Wednesday, September 25. Students will be trained during the Academy period and the system will go live at that point.
Our students often are aware of the problems their peers are facing, so we must empower them to know the warning signs and give them the tools to help each other with the assistance of trained and caring adults. The SS-ARS program is a collaboration between Sandy Hook Promise, our District and schools, and our local police departments.
We are excited about our growing partnership with SHP. Their programs are in 50 states, with 7,000+ schools and over 3.5 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 SS-ARS program is age-appropriate and research-based. To date, SS-ARS and other SHP prevention programs have prompted support and intervention for students in crisis; helped reduce bullying and cyberbullying; prevented violent and victimization acts; and prevented suicides, gun threats and even school shootings. We strongly believe this program will be a strong support for the well-being and safety of our students.
If you have questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact your student's principal or me directly.
Sincerely,
