Dear Parents and Guardians,
Wilkes County Schools is dedicated to ensuring the safety and well-being of our students, educators, and the entire community. To achieve this important goal, we are excited to announce the launch of the Say Something Anonymous Reporting System (ARS) across our schools.
The Say Something ARS program empowers students, teachers, and administrators to recognize warning signs of potential threats—whether they occur in school, on social media, or within the community. This initiative encourages individuals to "say something" to a Trusted Adult or utilize the anonymous reporting system when they recognize concerning behavior.
Key Features of the Program:
· Recognize At-Risk Behaviors: Students and educators will learn how to identify signs of distress or harmful behaviors in their peers.
· Take Action: The ARS program emphasizes the importance of acting immediately by either talking to a Trusted Adult or reporting concerns anonymously through the system.
· 24/7 Support: Students can access a Crisis Center at any time via a mobile app, website, or hotline for confidential reporting.
· Ongoing Awareness: Wilkes County Schools will promote safety through student clubs, in-school activities, and special awareness weeks designed to keep these conversations alive.
Our students often have unique insights into the challenges their peers face. It’s crucial that we empower them to recognize danger signs and equip them with the tools to support one another effectively. The Say Something ARS program teaches students how to support each other during online conversations and in-person interactions. This initiative is provided by Sandy Hook Promise (SHP), a respected nonprofit organization dedicated to improving school safety nationwide. With programs implemented in all 50 states and over 31 million individuals trained, SHP has a proven track record of success in preventing school shootings, suicides, and other violent incidents while reducing bullying and cyberbullying.
If you have any questions or concerns about the Say Something ARS program or any related initiatives, please feel free to reach out to your child’s school. Your support is invaluable as we work together to create a safe environment for our students.
To learn more or submit a tip, please visit our website:
https://www.wilkes.k12.ga.us/page/say-something-anonymous-reporting-system
Thank you for your commitment to keeping our community safe.
Blake Rogers
Director of School Effectiveness
District Safety Coordinator