The Dobbs Ferry School District has added a new communications tool called Anonymous Alerts™ to its existing K12 Alerts service, allowing individuals to anonymously report urgent information that they may otherwise be uncomfortable conveying. Students, staff and parents can now submit private internet-enabled messages on bullying, family difficulties, drug and alcohol abuse, depression and other sensitive student matters directly to school administrators. Anonymous Alerts™ will be active beginning Thursday, February 7 th .
“We want our students to feel safe in school and have the ability to report any acts of bullying and share social-emotional concerns, as well as time-sensitive issues, without the risk of negative consequences or the fear of retaliation,” said Sylvia Fassler-Wallach, Assistant Superintendent of Finance, Facilities and Operations. “Anonymous Alerts™ is able to provide not only one-way communication, but can also be used for two-way dialogue if desired.”
Messages can be submitted anonymously to school officials (School Principal or Assistant Principal only) using a Smartphone or computer. When submitting a message, students can also upload or attach a photo directly from their iPhone, iPad or Smartphone to accompany text. All reports remain anonymous, although during the process of submitting information senders do have the option to reveal their identity if they prefer to have a person-to-person discussion.
Anyone wishing to submit information anonymously can visit www.anonymousalerts.com/dobbsferrysdusing an Internet-enabled device, or by going to the Dobbs Ferry School District’s website www.dfsd.organd clicking on the Anonymous Alerts link. Message topics for submission may include student bullying, depression, family difficulties, drug and alcohol problems, sexual harassment, guns/weapons in school or unusual student behavior which may warrant immediate attention by school officials or law enforcement.
“Our number one priority is the physical and emotional well-being of our students and staff,” said Dobbs Ferry Schools Superintendent Dr. Lisa Brady. “Given the recent nationwide tragedies surrounding mental health issues and violence, it is imperative that schools stay on top of urgent student concerns and increase the flow of actionable information to administrators who can quickly address problems as they arise. The Anonymous Alerts service will help our school personnel to track and report such incidents, which is also a requirement of New York State’s School Dignity Act.”
