Dear IWCS Families,
Keeping our students safe—physically, emotionally, and socially—is one of our highest priorities. To support this commitment, Isle of Wight County Schools is launching the Say Something Anonymous Reporting System (Say Something ARS) for students in 4th grade and above across the division.
Through Say Something ARS, students, staff, and families can share concerns about safety confidentially and anonymously when they see or hear something that doesn’t feel right—whether it happens at school, online, or in the community. This could include threats of violence, self-harm, bullying, or other serious concerns.
Who will use the program?
Students in grades 4 and up will learn how to use the program at school. They will be taught that they can always:
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Talk directly with a Trusted Adult at school or at home and/or
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Submit a confidential tip through the Say Something ARS mobile app, website, or hotline, all of which connect to a 24/7 Crisis Center.
For our younger students (PreK–3), we will continue to emphasize the importance of going straight to a trusted adult—such as a teacher, counselor, administrator, or family member—if they ever feel unsafe or worried about a friend.
What students will learn
Through this program, students will:
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Learn how to recognize warning signs and at-risk behaviors in their peers.
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Understand when it is important to reach out for help right away.
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Practice how to speak up—either by talking to a trusted adult or by using the anonymous reporting options.
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See ongoing reminders through student activities, school clubs, and awareness events that reinforce the message: If you see something, say something.
Say Something ARS is provided by Sandy Hook Promise, a national non-profit organization dedicated to improving school safety. Their programs have reached millions of students and have helped prevent school violence, self-harm, and other serious incidents by encouraging early, proactive reporting.
Tip Sheet for Families
Along with this letter, we are sharing a brief Say Something tip sheet that includes the website, app information, hotline number, and ways to submit a tip. We encourage you to review it with your child and keep it in a handy place at home so they know exactly how to get help if they ever need it.
If you have any questions about the Say Something Anonymous Reporting System or how it will be used at your child’s school, please contact your school’s administration.
Thank you for partnering with us to create a safe, supportive environment where students feel comfortable speaking up for themselves and one another.
Sincerely,
Susan Goetz,
Deputy Superintendent, Instruction
Isle of Wight County Schools