Ringgold School District launches anonymous reporting system
NEW EAGLE – Ringgold School District has gone live with a school safety program that teaches students, educators and administrators how to recognize the signs of individuals who may be at risk of hurting themselves or others and anonymously report this information to the state.
“(The Safe2Say Something Anonymous Reporting System) is important for our overall safety. We spent a lot of time working with our administrators, going to all the trainings and asking good questions. We believe that more information we have about our students, the better we are able to support them,” said Superintendent Megan Marie Van Fossan, who updated Ringgold’s school board about S2SS during its regular monthly meeting Wednesday.
According to Van Fossan, S2SS has categorized defined events into three categories. Life safety (imminent and in-progress) includes 22 events such as an active shooter or presence of an explosive device, child predator, dating violence and human trafficking. Non-life safety (crime or violence) covers 13 events, such as possession or use of alcohol, animal cruelty, graffiti or defacing or property and theft. Non-life safety includes anger issues, eating disorders, inappropriate bus behavior, depression/anxiety and 17 other defined events.
Van Fossan explaned that individuals can report an incident or warning sign to S2SS using a mobile app, S2SS’s website or a 24/7 crisis center hotline. The tip is then triaged by a crisis center and that information is delivered to the impacted school and, if necessary, to local law enforcement. Van Fossan also noted that the district has posted information about S2SS on its website, along with a link for the app.
Gov. Tom Wolf signed school safety legislation into law last June and every Pennsylvania school has been mandated to establish and use S2SS by Jan. 14, 2019.
Van Fossan said that while some other school districts have mixed feelings about S2SS, Ringgold has enthusiastically embraced this school safety program.
“I come to work every day and at the top of my list is the safety of our students, teachers and staff,” said Van Fossan. “Education is critical but unless kids know they are safe, it’s hard to learn. All these security measures will not only safeguard our students and teachers, but also give them peace of mind.”
Ringgold Police Chief Clayton Shell added that Ringgold has completed installation of JAMBLOCKS at its middle and elementary schools. JAMBLOCKS-a single piece of lightweight crafted steel that secures any door in seconds-were already installed at Ringgold High School last year and teachers have been instructed how to use the devices in classrooms and common areas. The Valley Sportsman’s Club donated $28,984 for the additional devices.