February 22, 2018
Dear Allen Park Families:
The events in Florida on 2/14/18 have resulted in many thoughts and prayers for all those affected by the tragedy along with a heightened sense of awareness related to school safety and security, including here in Allen Park. I am communicating with you to clear up any rumors your students may be bringing to your attention regarding the safety and security of our schools. While Federal Privacy laws will prevent us from sharing specific details, Allen Park Public Schools were made aware of potential threatening posts on social media platforms involving some of our students:
• Two high school students on 2/12/18
• One high school student on 2/16/18
While these posts were made off campus and outside of the school day, Allen Park school administrators and the Allen Park Police immediately responded and identified the students involved. The Allen Park Police Department investigated the threats and determined them to be neither credible nor that danger was imminent. The students have been released to their parents with school discipline pending.
We appreciate the immediate action of the Allen Park Police Department in assisting with these situations, which are not typical of our students. We strive to provide a safe learning environment in Allen Park Public Schools and we will continue to evaluate and assess systems to improve safety. We would ask that our parents please continue to communicate with your children about responsible use of social media and stay in contact with us if you have any questions or concerns.
We would also like to remind all families that Allen Park Public Schools participates in a state-wide program called OK 2 SAY. Detailed information about the program can be found at
http://www.michigan.gov/ok2say
OK2SAY
A new safety initiative, OK2SAY, is operated through a partnership of the Department of Attorney General, Michigan State Police, state agencies, state associations, schools, parents, law enforcement and community leaders, and is aimed at discouraging the persistent culture of silence among students who fear that reporting threatening behavior is intrusive and will lead to retaliation or result in a stigmatization of a “snitch.”
OK2SAY enables students to confidentially report potential harm or criminal activities aimed at students, teachers, staff or other school employees. State law protects the confidentiality of the reports identify. The identity of the reporting party will not be disclosed to local law enforcement, school officials or the person against whom a tip is offered, unless the reporter voluntarily chooses to disclose his or her identity. If the reporter is a minor, the parent or guardian must also consent. However, to address any false reports to the program, prosecutors do have authority to seek a court order to review records when investigating false reports.
The program will operate as an early warning system in schools to thwart tragedies before they occur. Created as a result of the Student Safety Act (183 PA 2013), OK2SAY’s focus is on early intervention and prevention. Students, teachers, parents, school’s workers, friends and neighbors can all submit tips, if they are aware of a threat in school. Tips can be submitted through the following ways:
Call: 8.555.0K2SAY (855.565.2729)
Text: 652729 (OK2SAY)
Email: ok2say@mi.gov
Web: www.mi.gov/ok2say
Sincerely,
Michael H. Darga John Kelley
Superintendent of Schools Principal-Allen Park High School