Dear Dover UFSD Families:
As a school district, we are committed to creating and sustaining a comprehensive, coordinated effort to improve the overall safety and well-being of our students, educators, administrators, and the community at large. To do this, we believe this must involve community-wide programs and initiatives involving parents, teachers, administrators, local law enforcement, and mental health and wellness professionals, to take meaningful action to protect our students. Today, we are happy to announce the district-wide launch of the Say Something Anonymous Reporting System. This program teaches students, teachers, and administrators how to recognize warning signals and threats, on social media, in school, or in their community, of individuals who may be a threat to themselves or others and Say Something to a trusted adult OR use its anonymous reporting system. The anonymous reporting system allows students to speak with a trained crisis counselor 24/7, 365 days a year through their mobile app, website, or toll-free phone number. A link to the reporting system will be available on the district website beginning October 5th.
Our students are often aware of the problems their peers are facing, so we must empower them to recognize 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 look out for one another as these digital conversations are taking place. Say Something teaches them what to look for in text, video and photos while empowering them to act quickly to help a fellow student. The program also teaches students to recognize at-risk behaviors in friends and classmates at school and in their local community.
Students will be trained on the warning signs and the Say Something anonymous reporting system through a virtual training program. Students in grades 4 & 5 will be trained on October 4th and students in grades 6-12 will be trained on October 3rd. We will have counselors available should the training generate questions and additional conversations.
The Say Something program is provided by Sandy Hook Promise, a nation-wide non-profit organization. Sandy Hook Promise’s programs are in 50 states – with 14,000+ schools and over 12 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. To date, Say Something and other Sandy Hook Promise prevention programs have helped stop multiple school shootings, suicides, and gun threats, The program has reduced bullying and cyberbullying, intervened upon cutting, drug use, and other violent acts. For more information please visit https://www.sandyhookpromise.o...
If you have questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to call, or email me directly.
Sincerely,
Dr. David Fine
Superintendent