Watching for signs
System helps students be aware of possible problems
Middle and high school students across San Juan County recently learned how to identify possible life-threatening or nonlife-threatening behavior that could help prevent a tragedy or save the life of a fellow student.
The Aztec, Bloomfield, Central Consolidated and Farmington school districts deployed the Say Something Anonymous Reporting System to more than 8,000 students in 21 schools.
The program is provided by the nonprofit organization Sandy Hook Promise, which was founded by some of the family members of victims of the Dec. 14, 2012, shooting at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, Conn.
The program is designed to provide middle and high school students, and the community with an outlet to anonymously report tips through a smartphone app, a website or a telephone number operated 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
“There are many cases where this app has saved lives and prevented tragedies,” Aztec Superintendent Kirk Carpenter said. “It’s something we need to happen to make sure kids get involved and use it appropriately.”
Students at Aztec High School filed into the school’s multipurpose room today and were given an overview on possible behavior to report and how to report it.
Middle and high school students countywide were instructed on use of the program.
Dahlia Perryman, a senior trainer for Sandy Hook Promise, spoke to the seniors and shared stories about two friends who showed signs they needed help.
Perryman said she regrets not speaking up about one friend, who died by suicide.
She said she was glad she reached out to another friend’s mother regarding her daughter possibly needing help. Perryman stated their friendship ended after the incident, but she added her former friend is alive and doing well.
Students were taught by Perryman about the differences between a warning sign, a warning signal and a threat in terms of reporting behavior.