Safe2Say Something Reporting Program
Published on Jan 14, 2019, 17:10 (CV E-news)


Dear Cumberland Valley Families:

As we have said in prior communications, Cumberland Valley School District is committed to creating and sustaining a comprehensive, coordinated approach to improve the overall safety and well-being of our students and staff. To do this, we believe that we must continue to enhance and implement community-wide programs and initiatives that partner together parents, staff, local law enforcement, mental health and wellness professionals, and elected officials.

I am writing to you today to announce the launch of Pennsylvania’s “Safe2Say Something” (S2SS) anonymous reporting system. This program, mandated under Pennsylvania Act 44 to be implemented in all school districts beginning today, teaches students and staff how to recognize warning signs and signals, especially within social media, of individuals who may be a threat to themselves or others. Further, it educates them to Say Something to a trusted adult OR to use the Safe2Say anonymous reporting system. Please read below for basic information about the program and for details on how to report a tip.

What does the Safe2Say program educate participants to do?
- Recognize the signs and signals of at-risk behaviors – especially within social media.
- Take every sign and signal seriously and to act quickly to get help by talking to a trusted adult OR by reporting it anonymously through the Safe2Say reporting system.
- Respond to and manage the submitted tip via school-based multi-disciplinary educator and administrator teams.

How can someone report an anonymous tip through the Safe2Say reporting system?
Adults and youth are able to report tips anonymously through the Office of Attorney General’s 24/7 Crisis Center (1-844-SAF2SAY), through a mobile app (apple and android), or through Pennsylvania’s Safe2Say Something website (www.safe2saypa.org). Examples that may be reported through Safe2Say include, but are not limited to, information regarding student safety, substance abuse, or potential threats to individuals or to our school facilities.

Remember: This reporting platform is not intended to be, or serve as, an emergency hotline or email for situations of imminent danger. If you need immediate assistance and/or are reporting an emergency or event that could immediately affect the safety of a student or the school community, please dial 911.

What happens once a report is received through Safe2Say?
According to materials from the state, once a report is received, it is reviewed by a crisis center analyst, triaged and categorized as either life safety or non-life safety, and sent to law enforcement (as needed) and school officials via text, email, and/or phone call within seconds. School officials and law enforcement (when appropriate) will intervene and provide an appropriate response.

Will students be educated on Safe2Say Something?
YES! Our students often are aware of the problems their peers are facing, so we must empower them to know the danger signs and give them the tools to help each other with the assistance of trained and caring adults. As you know, many conversations are taking place on social media, therefore it is critical that we teach our students to be looking out for one another in digital conversations. S2SS teaches students what to look for in text, video, and photos while empowering them to act quickly to help a fellow student.

As is highly recommended by the program, Cumberland Valley School District will educate secondary students on the Safe2Say Something program. Beginning this week, middle and high school students will rotate through a training where they will both learn more about the program and receive information on how to submit a tip. We will provide parents with links to online resources (available on our website) to discuss, as you feel appropriate, with your elementary children.

What can we, as parents/guardians, do to support this program?
We ask for your partnership in this program by talking with your children about appropriate utilization of the reporting system. While we’re empowering and encouraging students to act, it is also critical that we remind students of the dangers and consequences of submitting false tips to this hotline. False tips detract attention from actual tips which may contain life-saving information. Knowingly submitting false information will lead to criminal sanctions as allowed by law.

We also ask that you please remind your children that, at any time, they may speak to a trusted adult within the school community should they have any concerns.

More information about Safe2Say:
The S2SS program is being provided through Sandy Hook Promise (SHP), a nation-wide non-profit organization. SHP’s programs are in 50 states – with 10,000+ schools and over 5.5 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 program is age-appropriate and research-based. They also have funding to provide and sustain the program at NO COST to our school (and all schools statewide). We have also placed information and important links on our website at www.cvschools.org.

Thank you for partnering with us as we work to provide and maintain a safe school environment at Cumberland Valley School District.

Sincerely,
Michael Sokolas, M.S.
Director, Student and Public Safety
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