Safe Environment Training
 

To ensure the safety and well-being of all our students, StMS requires all staff and volunteers to complete the Safe Environment Training each year through the Diocese of Raleigh Safe Environment Program. Training must be renewed annually for all staff members and volunteers.

• Level C volunteers, such as coaching, being a chaperone on a field trip, or substitute teaching will also require a Level C background check, which includes providing references, through the Diocese of Raleigh.
• Level A volunteer opportunities (non-direct supervision) such as occasional classroom helper, reading a book, class party, bulletin board, etc will not require a Level C clearance.
   

Please visit the Parish Safe Environment website for full details of the process and upcoming training dates. If you have questions, contact the parish office at 919-468-6100 or email safeenvironment@stmcary.org and copy safety@stmcary.org for related questions. Thank you for your support in keeping our children safe!

• New certification: new volunteers can get certified anytime by attending the 2.5-hour introductory course. Visit the Diocese of Raleigh website to sign up and review this presentation for detailed instructions as to how to complete the Level C certification.    
• Renewals: The annual Safe Environment Training renewal period runs Jul. 15–Sep. 15. Renewal emails have been sent to those who previously completed the initial training. To remain compliant, renewals must be completed by Sep. 15. Those who do not renew by the deadline will need to restart the certification process, including attendance at the 2.5-hour introductory course. The email with renewal instructions comes from Tech Support (techsupport@dioceseofraleigh.safeenvironment.org). Please check your spam or junk folder if you don’t see it in your inbox.

Instructions for Renewal:

• Visit the login page
• If this is your first time logging in, do not enter your email/username. Instead, click “Forgotten your username or password?”
• Enter your email address to request a password reset
• Look for an email from Tech Support (techsupport@dioceseofraleigh.safeenvironment.org) — check your junk/spam folder if needed
• Follow the link in the email to reset your password and access the training
   

Once completed, email your completion certificate to safety@stmcary.org. For any questions, please contact the main office 919-468-6100 or safeenvironment@stmcary.org.

Say Something Anonymous Reporting System (SS-ARS)
 

Say Something Website – www.saysomething.net 
Reporting Hotline – 1-844-5-SAYNOW (729-669)

Sandy Hook Promise (SHP), a national non-profit organization, developed the “Say Something” Anonymous Reporting System (SS-ARS). The system provides youth and adults with a secure, anonymous way to submit safety concerns—anytime, from anywhere. Its purpose is to help identify and support individuals at risk before they harm themselves or others. This tool equips school administrators and law enforcement with the information they need to create timely, effective interventions, which on a national level has helped prevent violence, suicide, bullying, self-harm, and other threatening behaviors.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Say Something Anonymous Reporting System (SS-ARS)?
SS-ARS is an anonymous reporting system that lets students, parents, staff and community members securely share safety concerns. It focuses on student and staff safety by:
1. Training students, teachers, and administrators how to recognize warning signs of someone who may be a threat to themselves or others—including signs on social media.
2. Providing a way to report concerning behavior, which then helps school administrators and law enforcement members prevent violence, suicide, bullying, self-harm and other dangerous behavior.

How does SS-ARS work?
Students, parents, and staff can submit an anonymous tip through an app, the website, or a phone call when they notice concerning or threatening behavior. Every submission goes directly to a trained crisis counselor. The counselor then shares the information and next steps with school leadership and law enforcement as needed – so the necessary resources can be used to address the threat.

Could you provide an example of how SS-ARS could work?
The SS-ARS can be used to report threatening or harmful behavior, harassment and more. For example, imagine that one student, Sammy, is worried about a friend, Mary, harming herself—like cutting her arms—but Sammy isn’t sure who to tell. Sammy doesn’t want to be labeled a “snitch” and doesn’t want the friend to find out that others were told.
Sammy can anonymously report the concern through the SS-ARS app, website, or through a phone call. The trained crisis counseling team will immediately take action to ensure Mary is safe and getting the appropriate interventions.

What happens to the tip if the individual reporting is threatening to hurt themselves?
The SS-ARS team members are specifically trained to recognize mental illness and emotional disturbances and manage crisis situations. All psychiatric emergencies are referred to the appropriate community mental health services psychiatric crisis line. Law enforcement may conduct a welfare check.

Do I have to use SS-ARS? Does my student?
NO. Using the reporting system is completely voluntary. Students of all ages will still be encouraged to share any concerns with their families and trusted adults, such as StMS staff members.

Who is running the program?
“Say Something” is a youth violence program presented by Sandy Hook Promise (SHP), a national nonprofit. SHP was founded and is led by family members who lost loved ones during the Sandy Hook Elementary School tragedy in 2012. SHP has trained more than 11 million educators, parents, community leaders and students to recognize the signs of and prevent violence and harmful acts in schools, including the administration, leadership team, and school counselor at St. Michael.

When should I not use SS-ARS?
“Say Something” is a program designed to handle more serious concerns, such as planned self-harm or harm to others. “Say Something” should not be used to handle more common middle school concerns such as a normal friend dispute grade or discipline concern, or spontaneous acts/events that may occur between students during the school day. Events such as these should still be reported to the teacher(s), Middle School Dean, and/or Administration using the established channels at StMS, such as speaking directly with trusted adults.
 

For Safety & Security questions, please contact:
John Szymeczek
Director of School Safety and Security
JSzymeczek@stmcary.org 
 

To reach the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline, call 988 or text HOME to 741741.