November 30, 2023

Dear Parents, Guardians, Caregivers, and Staff:

The Holliston 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. We must empower them to know the signs of potential danger and give them the tools to help each other 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.

Today, I am happy to announce the Holliston High School launch of the Say Something Anonymous Reporting System. Students and staff have been trained on the effective use of this reporting system. The Robert Adams Middle School will be launching this with students in early December as well. 

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:

• Recognize the warning signs of someone who may be at-risk of harming themselves or Other
• 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
• Respond to and manage the submitted tips using a tip management system overseen by a designated school team
• Sustain the curriculum and awareness via student clubs, in-school activities, call-to-action weeks, and on-going trainings

The Say Something Anonymous Reporting System program is provided at no cost 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 includes 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 know this program will do the same for our district.

The Say Something Anonymous Reporting System is an additional tool that we are utilizing at Holliston Public Schools to enhance our efforts to provide a safe and supportive environment for all students. Please see some additional SSARS FAQs that may provide additional information about this tool. Here is the SSARS electronic reporting form which will be housed on our website as well. 

Regards,

Susan E. Kustka, Ed.D.