Rainbow District School Board is piloting a mobile application called Stand Up, Speak Out in the 2014-2015 school year. This free service allows students and parents/guardians to provide their school with anonymous information on student safety and bullying through a text message, phone call or web-chat.
Participating schools include A.B. Ellis Public School, Alexander Public School, Central Manitoulin Public School, Larchwood Public School, Lasalle Secondary School, Lockerby Composite School, Lo-Ellen Park Secondary School and Markstay Public School.
“This pilot project is part of our ongoing efforts to maintain safe learning and teaching environments for all students and staff in Rainbow Schools,” said Director of Education Norm Blaseg. “It encourages students to stand up and speak out in order to make a difference in their school community.”
Students and parents/guardians of participating schools are being invited to download the application, which is available for iPhones through iTunes and for Android devices through Google Play. Search “RS Stand Up Speak Out”.
School administrators receive anonymous reports daily for follow up. If a report is received after 4 pm, it is sent to the school on the following weekday morning.
The Stand Up, Speak Out app also provides a list of community contacts and agencies for students and parents/guardians to access. This includes the Sudbury & District Health Unit, Greater Sudbury Police Service, and resources for mental health and addiction.
For more information, visit rainbowschools.ca and click on “Students”.
