Salem Public Schools Partners with Sandy Hook Promise ‘Say Something’ Initiative
Grade 4-12 students to be trained in system use between Mar. 10-Apr. 4
SALEM (Mar. 12, 2025) – Committed to the safety of its students and staff, the Salem Public School District has partnered with the Sandy Hook Promise ‘Say Something’ Anonymous Reporting System, Superintendent Dr. Stephen Zrike announced Wednesday.
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.
Students and families can access the Say Something Anonymous Reporting System in the main and secondary menus on the SPS district website.
Students in grades 4-12 will be trained on the Say Something system by school-based staff between Mar. 10-Apr. 4.
“Salem Public Schools is committed to creating and sustaining a comprehensive, coordinated effort to improve the overall safety and well-being of our students, educators, and administrators,” said Dr. Zrike. “Doing this effectively requires a proactive approach with programs that equip students, staff, local law enforcement, elected officials and especially our mental health and wellness professionals to take meaningful action to protect our schools.”
Specifically, the Say Something program educates students and educators to:
- Recognize the warning signs of someone who may be at-risk of harming themselves or others;
- 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 hours a day, 365 days a year;
- Sustain the curriculum and awareness via student clubs, in-school activities, call-to-action weeks, and on-going training.
The Say Something Anonymous Reporting System is accessible via a button located on the front page of the SPS District website.
“Our students are aware of the problems and struggles their peers face each day,” Dr. Zrike added. “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. Most conversations take 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.”
About the Say Something Anonymous Reporting System
The Say Something Anonymous Reporting System program is provided at no cost by Sandy Hook Promise (SHP), a national nonprofit organization. The Massachusetts Attorney General’s Office has partnered with Sandy Hook Promise and has urged school districts to utilize their support to help prevent violence and suicide in schools. More than 21 million people have participated in its research-based programs that include Say Something. It has a proven track record of working effectively with students, families, and educators to improve school safety and strengthen an inclusive school culture. The program is age-appropriate and evidence-informed. We strongly believe that this program will be an asset to our schools.
About Salem Public Schools
Salem Public Schools is an urban public school district in Salem, Massachusetts. Salem is a small, diverse city with a proud maritime and immigrant history. Our leaders and our teachers are all passionate about education and understand the urgency of improving student achievement with equity and social-emotional needs as the lens we view all of our work through. We respect and value the racial, cultural, and linguistic diversity of our students and their families, and have a strong commitment to the Salem community. Salem Public Schools staff serve all of our students, regardless of ability or language. Salem Public Schools enrolls approximately 4,000 students across its eleven schools.
