AllentownSchool District

Safe2Say - December Update

Dear ASD Family:

Over the past few weeks, we have received numerous false threats via our Safe 2 Say System. We are committed to creating and sustaining a comprehensive, coordinated effort to continue to improve the overall safety and well-being of our students, educators and administrators. 

To do this, we believe this must involve community-wide programs and initiatives involving parents, families, teachers, administrators, local law enforcement, mental health & wellness professionals and elected officials to take meaningful action to protect our students. 

Last year, we educated our students on the use of the “Safe2Say Something” (S2SS) anonymous reporting system. This program, which is mandated under PA state law / Act 44, teaches students, teachers, and administrators 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. Specifically, the program educates participants to:
Recognize the signs and signals of at-risk behaviors – especially within social media
Take every sign and signal seriously; act quickly to get help by talking to a trusted adult OR
Report it anonymously through the S2SS Office of the Attorney General 24/7 Crisis Center, mobile app, or website 
    
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, most conversations are taking place on social media, therefore it is critical that we teach our students to be looking out for one another as these digital conversations are taking place. S2SS teaches them what to look for in text, video and photos while empowering them to act quickly to help a fellow student. Your child recently participated In Safe2Say training for the 2022-2023 school year. You can click this link for a full brochure outlining the program. 
 
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. 

We anticipate that S2SS will help stop school shootings, suicides, and gun threats; it will help reduce bullying and cyberbullying; help intervene upon cutting, drug use, racial conflicts, and other violent and victimization acts. 

Please talk to your child about their learnings including the importance of using the system appropriately. The Allentown School District and the Allentown Police Department thoroughly investigate all critical safety reports. False reports will not be tolerated and handled accordingly.  

If you have questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact your building administrators.