Ames Community School District is pleased to introduce a new communications tool called Anonymous Alerts®.
The Ames Community School District has launched a new communication tool called Anonymous Alerts®, an anti-bullying and safety app reporting system. As a District, we believe that the best way to address problems that our students face in school is personal contact with a teacher, school administrator, psychologist or counselor and we strongly encourage and fully support that continued practice. However, we do know that sometimes there is a concern that a student or parent may want to communicate anonymously.
Anonymous Alerts® allows students or parents to quickly, easily, and anonymously report information to school officials. The system encourages students, parents and staff to confidentially report bullying, cyber-bullying, and other sensitive topics through private messages to our administration. Starting in January 2020, the system is being supported at Ames High School and Ames Middle School.
Social and peer pressure are some of the hardest obstacles for students to overcome. The system allows for 1-way or 2-way anonymous encrypted communications between submitters (students, parents or community members) and district administration and/or school staff. Users of the system have the option to remain anonymous or reveal their identity when submitting a report.
How does it work?
Students, parents or other school personnel can submit a report through the URL below or through the Anonymous Alerts® mobile application. Informational posters explaining how to use the app will be displayed throughout schools and offices at Ames High and Ames Middle School.
To send reports from the Web/Internet go to: https://report.anonymousalerts.com/amescsd/
To send a report from your phone:
- Download the Anonymous Alerts® app for free from the Apple Store, Google Play store, or the Chrome store
- Start the App, enter activation code: amescsd
- Send important reports to school officials
- Add a screenshot, photo or video about the incident
Message topics for submission include bullying, cyber-bullying, family difficulties, self-harm/cutting, fighting, drug and alcohol abuse, student depression, and sexual harassment. All reports remain completely anonymous, although submitters have the option to reveal their identity if they prefer to have a person-to-person discussion. The program is monitored from 7 a.m. until 5 p.m., and should only be used for serious and urgent matters. If something disturbing or life-threatening occurs at other times, it is imperative to call 911. In an emergency, always call 9-1-1!
As a District, we have a responsibility to offer this tool to our community in order to protect the safety of our students, providing avenues for confidential disclosure when there is something serious that is troubling them. At Ames Community School District, our goal is to enhance the student’s learning experience and limit any roadblocks to a student’s success, giving everyone the opportunity to succeed.