SUGARLOAF SCHOOL IMPLEMENTS ANONYMOUS TEXT TIPS TOOL

SUGARLOAF KEY, Fla. – Students at Sugarloaf School in grades fourth through eighth have been using the “School Text Tips” tool to communicate anonymously to school staff any school-related safety concerns they may have.

Principal Harry Russell said administrators introduced the concept to the students via student assemblies. The students were all tasked with creating a contact for SchoolText Tips on their cellphones. Mr. Russell said he also sent out a letter to families explaining exactly how the students could use the tool.

A school parent, Shawn Verne created the system. Each school receives a number and students can text any safety issues. Students can help, officials said, by reporting threats of violence, drugs on campus, bullying, or even thoughts of self-harm or suicide. The user will be able to text a message anonymously to school officials.

Mr. Russell said he thinks this will be an enhancement to the safe environment school staff works to maintain. “It is my hope as the school principal this new system will continue to allow students to have a school culture that is safe and offer them the ability to communicate concerns to staff in person or by text.  A safe secure learning environment is a must in today’s twenty-first century classrooms.”

Safety and Security Coordinator Jason Brown said the system has been successful in its initial launch. “Students may fear the possible ramifications associated with coming forward with information that should be relayed. This system provides a tool for them to do it anonymously, avoiding repercussions. The response from a security and safety perspective is positive.” Since launching the tool, Mr. Brown said they have received two tips that have been informative. He added, there has been no misuse of the system, so far.

Superintendent Mark Porter said he believes Text Tips could be a useful tool for students throughout the district. ”This trial period with Sugarloaf School allows us to determine what type of manpower we may or may not need to manage the system. The school’s initial launch will help inform how we can implement this across the district for the next school year.”

Families with students in the third grade and below at Sugarloaf School have the opportunity to use the tool to also report any instances their students may tell them about. For more information, go to www.keysschools.com/sls.

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