Millis Public Schools are committed to creating and sustaining a comprehensive, coordinated effort to improve the overall safety and well-being of our students, educators, and administrators. Doing this effectively requires a proactive approach with programs that equip students, parents, teachers, administrators, local law enforcement, mental health and wellness professionals, and elected officials to take meaningful action to protect our schools.
Our students are aware of the problems and struggles that their peers are facing on a day-to-day basis. Through a variety of programs, activities, and student organizations, we have worked with students to help them recognize the signs of potential danger and give them the tools to help each other along 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 in text, video, and photos and act quickly to help a fellow student.
In February 2024, the District launched Sandy Hook’s Say Something Anonymous Reporting System (SS-ARS) for grades 6-12. The Say Something Anonymous Reporting System, trains youth and adults how to recognize warning signs -- especially within social media -- of individuals who may be in crisis, and to tell a trusted adult directly or via the anonymous reporting system.
Specifically, the Say Something program educates participants to:
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Recognize the warning signs of someone who may be at-risk of harming themselves or others
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Take every warning sign and threat seriously; act immediately to get help by talking to a trusted adult OR reporting it through the telephone hotline, mobile app, or website that is available 24/7/365
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Sustain the curriculum and awareness via student clubs, in-school activities, call-to-action weeks, and on-going trainings
A National Crisis Center backs the Anonymous Reporting System and:
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Operates 24/7/365 - 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year center solely responding to messages (aka tips) received by the Say Something Anonymous Reporting System
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Employs a dedicated team of highly skilled and trained Crisis Counselors, fluent in multiple languages with translation support for over 600 languages, trained in suicide prevention, crisis management, and mental health support
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Trains qualified professionals with backgrounds in psychology, social work and education
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Is directed by a former law enforcement official with 20+ years of experience in anonymous reporting systems
The Say Something Anonymous Reporting System program is provided at no cost to our district by Sandy Hook Promise (SHP), a national nonprofit organization. More than 14 million people have participated in their research-based “Know the Signs” programs that include Say Something. They have a proven track record of working effectively with kids, parents, and teachers to improve school safety and strengthen an inclusive school culture. The program is age-appropriate and evidence-informed. To date, the Say Something Anonymous Reporting System and other SHP prevention programs have stopped multiple school shootings, suicides, and gun threats, as well as reducing other acts of violence and victimization like bullying/ cyberbullying and helping thwart cutting, drug use, and more. We believe this program will be an excellent additional resource for our district.
Respectfully,
Robert Mullaney
Superintendent of Schools
Visit the Say Something website to submit a tip
Download the Mobile App to submit at tip at Google Play or Apple Store
Call the Hotline to submit a tip at 1-844-572-9669
Visit the Say Something Website for more information and FAQs
Download the Say Something Parent Brochure in English or Spanish