Darien Public Schools Looks To Utilize Anonymous Alerts Software

DARIEN, CT — Darien Public Schools is looking to implement software that would allow students, staff and parents to anonymously submit reports and tips to school administrators on issues related to safety.

The Board of Education last week discussed the idea, which was originally recommended by Leon Krolikowski, the director of security for the school district.

Superintendent of Darien Public Schools Dr. Alan Addley said the district is looking at using Anonymous Alerts, a White Plains, N.Y.-based company which was founded in 2012.

Anonymous Alerts provides its services to 8,000-plus schools and has a presence in North America, Asia, Africa and Australia. Locally, Greenwich High School and Norwalk Public Schools use the service.

No action was taken by the BOE last week. Addley said he wanted to discuss the idea with board members "given the significance of it, the profile of it, and the topical nature of it."

The software won't be rolled out until school officials develop a proper communication plan with families and staff, Addley said.

Students, families and staff would be able to access Anonymous Alerts through an app available on any device, and quickly submit an anonymous incident report. That report then gets routed to the appropriate personnel based on the category that's selected.

Generally, law enforcement would handle reports referencing violence, weapons, fighting or threats, and counselors would handle mental health concerns and issues revolving around depression or stress, according to company founder, president and CEO, and Stamford resident, Gregory Bender, who appeared before the BOE last week.

School administration would deal with instances of bullying, cyberbullying, drugs and alcohol, and administrators would monitor all reports that come in daily.

The software would be available for use from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday for those in grades 6-12 to start with, Addley said.

"Essentially we're looking at a self-reporting system where parents and staff and students can self-report. We always encourage in-person, but there are times where kids are maybe not connected and don't feel comfortable," Addley said. "This particular piece of software lets students report on a number of issues. We've narrowed it down because the priority for us is to keep kids safe. So if students are going to harm themselves or each other, or there is a threat someone hears or otherwise, or there's a major bullying incident, those are the main three reasons we'll be looking to use this system."

Gregory Bender, a Stamford resident and founder of Anonymous Alerts, said the service provides two-way anonymous chat communications, so when a student reports something, they can also chat with an administrator in real time.

The service also has social emotional learning tools for students, a list of emergency numbers for calling or texting, incident management for 24/7 administrator monitoring, and other helpful features like the ability for the district to chart and keep track of the kinds of reports coming in.

"You may think kids are just going to mess around with it," Addley said. "Students rise to the expectations that you set. They don't go around pulling alarm systems and fire alarms. They understand the significance of those things."

To that end, Bender noted that about 97 percent of reports made on Anonymous Alerts are credible. He noted that the software helped thwart two school shootings several months ago in the Houston, Texas, area.

"What Anonymous Alerts provides is an anonymous way for students to come forward when they don't feel comfortable coming forward to an administrator," Bender added. "We help school districts uncover things students wouldn't normally come forward to report."

The school board seemed receptive of the software. Board Chair David Dineen asked how the service fits in with the district's overall plan of addressing mental health and keeping students safe.

This past year saw DPS establish a director of mental health and a director of security, the creation of a wellness center and the hiring of School Security Officers for the town's elementary schools.

Dineen mentioned he'd like Krolikowski and Director of Mental Health Dr. Alycia Dadd to give their thoughts on how Anonymous Alerts fits into their plans for the district.

"I'd like to have them talk through how this is another piece, a tool in the overall toolbox we have for our students and parents," Dineen said. "I think we have to continuously connect the dots on this stuff so that we come across as really trying to provide a holistic approach to our students and staff's well-being."

Board member Julie Best asked how the district would handle a report about a possible prank being pulled at a school building, versus a situation where a student is in crisis.

"Do we triage the response? And who has to make those difficult decisions?" she asked.

Board member John Sini recalled a tip line that was in place a few years ago and how people would call in to bust parties that were taking place.

Addley explained that there are different categories for the type of report being submitted, and not every category will be open for reporting.

The service would cost $2,800 on an annual contract that can be renewed within 90 days of expiration.

Addley said the district also looked at a similar service from Sandy Hook Promise, but decided Anonymous Alerts was the better choice based on the service and turnaround time.