Minnesota Schools Strengthen Safety Measures Following Annunciation Shooting

Minnesota Schools Strengthen Safety Measures Following Annunciation Shooting

In the wake of the tragic mass shooting at Annunciation Catholic School in Minneapolis, Minnesota schools are increasingly adopting the Say Something Anonymous Reporting System (SS-ARS) to enhance safety and provide students, staff, and parents with a 24/7 anonymous way to report concerns about potential violence, self-harm, or other safety threats. Developed by Sandy Hook Promise, the system allows users to submit anonymous tips via a mobile app, website, or a 24/7 hotline. These tips are then reviewed by trained crisis counselors who can engage in anonymous, two-way chat to gather more information. If a life-threatening situation arises, law enforcement is immediately notified. The growing acceptance of SS-ARS across Minnesota's districts aims to prevent incidents, ensure timely intervention, and create a more supportive and secure learning environment for everyone.

How the Say Something System Works

Anonymous Reporting: Students, staff, and parents can submit anonymous tips through a dedicated mobile app, a secure website, or by calling a 24/7 crisis hotline at 1-844-5-SAYNOW.

24/7 Crisis Counselors: Tips are reviewed by trained crisis counselors who can engage in anonymous, two-way chat to gather more information and answer follow-up questions. These counselors have backgrounds in psychology, social work, and education, and are trained in suicide prevention and crisis management.

Crisis Team Intervention: The crisis team at the school then uses the information to assess the situation and provide support, such as checking in with students and their families, to ensure their well-being.

Life-Threatening Situations: If a tip indicates a life-threatening emergency, the local law enforcement is immediately notified.

Why Schools Are Using It

Violence Prevention: The primary goal is to prevent violence and self-harm by creating a clear channel for reporting concerns before a situation escalates. School officials believe that a key factor in preventing violence is that "most of the time somebody else knows something" before a major incident occurs.

Enhanced Support for Students: The program empowers students to become "upstanders" by giving them a safe and anonymous way to report issues they might otherwise feel unable to discuss directly with adults. This is particularly helpful for tips that come in after school hours, overnight, or on weekends when students may not have an adult they can lean on for support.

Improved Safety and Environment: By addressing concerns quickly and effectively, schools can foster a safer, more positive, and supportive learning environment.

Statewide Coordination: While there is a national "If You See Something, Say Something" campaign, the Minnesota Department of Public Safety's Homeland Security and Emergency Management Division (HSEM) is Minnesota's coordination center for various partners to prevent, protect against, and respond to emergencies.

Minnesota Districts Using SS-ARS

Among the districts adopting the system are St. Francis Area Schools, Edina Public Schools, Elk River School District, Robbinsdale Area Schools, and St. Cloud Area School District. Sandy Hook Promise provides the program at no cost to school districts.

How to Access the System

• Download the App: Available on Google Play and the Apple App Store.
• Use the Website: Visit the dedicated Say Something reporting website.
• Call the Hotline: Dial 1‑844‑5‑SAYNOW anytime.

By combining anonymous reporting, professional crisis response, and proactive school coordination, the Say Something Anonymous Reporting System continues to gain traction in Minnesota as a vital resource for preventing violence and supporting student well-being.

MinneapoliMedia