Emily Telesco, Reporter
@etelescocourant
During the week of November 13, students will be participating in a Sandy Hook Promise (SHP) initiative in their English classes. This initiative will include a video that discusses school safety as well as the introduction of an anonymous reporting system in order to educate students on violence in schools and how to take action to prevent it.
Principal William Egan played a leading role in the development of this initiative. “The whole idea for this program is for students to know that school is a safe space, and that there is an opportunity for anyone to share any of their concerns with an adult,” Mr. Egan said.
Sandy Hook Promise is a non-profit organization founded by family members of those who died in the Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting on December 14, 2012. The organization’s mission is to prevent gun violence by educating students and faculty through their Know the Signs campaign.
As conveyed in the video that will be shown to students, being able to confide in a Trusted Adult about troubling signs in peers is central. “I hope every student understands that they have trusted adults that they can turn to in this building,” Mr Egan added. “I believe this is a safe school and safe space for kids, and I want this to be another opportunity for students to talk to adults that they can trust.”
English department chair Evan Remley added his perspective on the program. “This is our first time doing it, so I think there’s going to be a bit of a learning curve, as we’re just getting to know the program ourselves,” he said. “Unfortunately, school violence has dominated national headlines, so it’s important to identify types of troubling signs, and know that there’s a system where students can find support from adults.”
The Sandy Hook Promise also created the “Say Something Anonymous Reporting System,”where students are able to call in and anonymously report concerning behavior. The SS-ARS program will be introduced to students during the initiative. “It gives students the opportunity to have a safe space to share their concerns that they may have previously felt they couldn’t share with someone here,” Mr. Egan said.
“I think the big takeaway is that we want students to know they have trusted adults in their lives that they can rely on, and feel that they can approach and talk to these adults,” Mr. Remley said.
