(518) 834-2800 francia.michael@avcsk12.org
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Anonymous Reporting

As a school district, we are committed to creating and sustaining a comprehensive, coordinated effort to improve the safety and well-being of our students, educators, administrators, and community at large. We recognize that a successful approach to school safety involves our entire community: parents, teachers, administrators, local law enforcement, mental health professionals, and elected officials, all coming together to take meaningful action to protect our students.

Today, we are pleased to announce the launch of the Say Something Anonymous Reporting System (ARS) in AuSable Valley Middle and High School. This important program teaches students, teachers, and administrators to recognize warning signs and signals in social media, in school, or within the community that might indicate an individual may be a threat to themselves or others. The program encourages everyone to “Say Something” to a trusted adult or use its anonymous reporting system.

Over the past week, a team of our counselors, administrators, and myself met with students in small groups to introduce the Say Something ARS app and to explain how it works. We have found these meetings to be a valuable time for students to ask questions and understand the critical role they play in maintaining a safe school community. Specifically, the program educates students, adults and our school response team 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 Say Something ARS 24/7/365 Crisis Center via a mobile app, website, or telephone hotline,
  • Respond to and manage the submitted tips through a secure system overseen by a designated school team.

We know our students often have unique insights into the issues their peers may be facing, and it is essential to empower them to recognize warning signs and provide tools that help them reach out and support each other with the help of trained and caring adults. As digital communication continues to shape much of their social interactions, Say Something ARS teaches students to look out for one another online and within our school community.

The Say Something ARS program is provided by Sandy Hook Promise (SHP), a national non-profit organization with extensive experience in supporting school safety. SHP’s programs are used in all 50 states, with over 21 million students and adults trained, and a proven track record of success. Through Say Something ARS and other SHP prevention initiatives, numerous incidents—including school shootings, suicides, bullying, drug use, and other harmful acts—have been prevented. We know this program will contribute to a safer, more supportive school environment here at AuSable Valley.

If you have any questions or concerns, please don’t hesitate to reach out to me directly or our building administrators. We are grateful for your partnership in this endeavor and look forward to the positive impact this program will have in strengthening the safety and well-being of our school community. Below are some helpful links that will provide our families with more information regarding the Say Something Anonymous System. Again, thank you for your continued support and partnership. 

Sandy Hook Promise – Say Something Anonymous Reporting Site:

Say Something Anonymous Reporting System — Sandy Hook Promise

Say Something Family Presentation:

https://sandyhookpromise.app.box.com/v/SS-FamilyPresentation

Sincerely,

Michael Francia

AVCS Superintendent