Hello Auburn Families and Staff,
Another Friday is upon us and seemingly we are headed into a BEAUTIFUL weekend. I hope you are all able to take some time to enjoy all that nature has to offer us here in New England during this time of year. I can't wait!
As you know, school safety is a top priority for us and we are always looking for innovative ways to improve the safety of our students and staff. This year, after a year on a waiting list, we began what we hope is a long standing partnership with Sandy Hook Promise. Sandy Hook Promise is a national nonprofit organization founded and led by several family members whose loved ones were killed at Sandy Hook Elementary School on December 14, 2012. Based in Newtown, Connecticut, their intent is to honor all victims of gun violence by turning their tragedy into a moment of transformation. By empowering youth to “know the signs” and uniting all people who value the protection of children, we can take meaningful actions in schools, homes, and communities to prevent gun violence and stop the tragic loss of life.
One program that all schools implemented this year from Sandy Hook Promise, is Start with Hello. This program is focused on making sure that all students feel connected, supported, included and safe. By the end of November, both Auburn High School and Auburn Middle School will implement the Sandy Hook Anonymous Reporting System. Students and staff will receive training on the program and families will receive specific information on the program as well.
The Anonymous Reporting System teaches students, teachers, and administrators how to recognize warning signals and threats, on social media, in school, or in their community, of individuals who may be a threat to themselves or others and Say Something to a trusted adult OR use its anonymous reporting system. Specifically, the program educates students and adult participants to:
• Recognize the signs and threats of at-risk behaviors
• Take every sign and signal seriously and act quickly to get help by talking to a trusted adult, OR
• Report it anonymously to the Say Something ARS 24/7/365 Crisis Center via a mobile app, website, or telephone hotline
• Respond to and manage the submitted tips using a tip management system overseen by a designated school team
We believe that this reporting system will better allow us to support students who may be in crisis or who know someone who may be in crisis. I am thankful for the administrators and staff who have undergone the training required to make this work and we believe this will better enable us to get students help whenever they need it.
Both Auburn Middle School and Auburn High School will be sending more information out to families soon.
I wish you all a wonderful, sun shiny weekend and thank you for your continued support of the Auburn Public Schools.
Best,
Beth
As you know, Auburn Youth and Family Services(AYFS) is an amazing organization in our community. AYFS recently held their Annual Breakfast Meeting where they highlighted some of the work accomplished over the past year, recognized community members who have a strong commitment to supporting AYFS while also kicking off their Annual Appeal for support. AYFS offers Children and Young Adult Groups, counseling services at all of our schools, Community Outreach Programs that include a food pantry and clothing closet, first day of school supplies, a holiday and gift program for those in need and to help families who are in emergency need for things like oil, gas and electricity. What an awesome resource to have for our families! And they need your help to keep this critical programming in place. If you are willing and able to support this important organization, you can donate by clicking the button below. You can also follow the link below to the 2024 Taste of Auburn Fundraiser being held at J. Anthony's Italian Grill on November 12, 2024. Thank you in advance for your commitment to and support of AYFS!
Please follow the link below to a very informative video explaining the new IEP(Individualized Education Program) for students with special needs. The new IEP reflects a number of changes and it is important that educators and families are familiar and comfortable with how these changes will impact students.
