Strongsville Elementary Schools’ Say Something Week

Dear Families,

During the week of March 4-8th, your child will be taking part in Say Something Week throughout the Strongsville City School District. We will be discussing how to recognize warning signs, signals of danger, and bullying behavior. Students will learn how important it is to remember if they see something, they should say something, and they will stop something.

As a parent/caregiver, we know it can be hard to know how your child is feeling. Today, many children turn to online channels to express themselves, their thoughts and hopes, and their anxieties and personal feelings. Some even go as far as hinting at hurting themselves or someone else. Their friends and peers are the eyes and ears of the school and community, and they may see and hear these communications, but may not always understand or know what to do with that information. Say Something teaches all of this. We encourage you to talk to your child about Say Something and share what they are learning.
Not only will this conversation help you to recognize any signs in your own child’s expressions,
but it demonstrates to them that you also take this subject seriously and can be one of the trusted adults your child turns to if they suspect someone may need help. We know that schools are meant to be safe places. Say Something will help equip our young
people to do their part to keep our school community safe. For more information on Say Something, please visit http://www.sandyhookpromise.org/saysomething.

Furthermore, Strongsville City Schools is fully committed to curbing student bullying and school violence, and providing a positive learning environment for all students that enhances personal safety and promotes respect, dignity, and equality among students. We believe our schools play an important role in helping faculty, staff, and parents prepare students to be respectful and responsible citizens. As part of our commitment, the district is initiating a new, integrated program, developed by former school officials, that provides:

• Online and telephone reporting tools for students, parents, and staff.

• Student training regarding the need to speak up about safety and bullying issues.

• Staff training in recognizing and responding to incidents of bullying and violence.

• Administrative systems to manage incidents and document district and school responses to reported concerns of bullying or violence.

You can find the Stay Safe, Speak information by visiting the Strongsville City School home webpage.

Sincerely,

Caleb Biehl, Christina Filuta, Meghan Medlock, Eric Schibley, and Denise Schlueter

SCS Elementary Counselors

MONDAY: Wear Blue to show that you will help stop bullies

TUESDAY: Wear Glasses or Sunglasses (See Something-Don’t Look Away)

WEDNESDAY: Wear Clothing with Words on It-Speak Up for Those Who Can’t (Say Something)

THURSDAY: Wear Mustangs or Kinsner apparel for We Will Team Up Together to Keep our Schools Safe.

FRIDAY: Wear Red-(Stop Something - be an Upstander)