SOCSD Introduces StopIt Application for Middle Schoolers
Starkville, MS: New Digital Application Aims to Boost Student Safety
Starkville Oktibbeha Consolidated School District (SOCSD) has unveiled a cutting-edge platform for students of Partnership Middle School and Armstrong Junior High School. The innovative digital application, known as StopIt, functions as a conduit for pupils to anonymously report a myriad of issues such as bullying, harassment, battling safety concerns, mental health problems, and other predicaments that may detrimentally affect their learning environment. Reports submitted via the application are directly sent to the administrators at each educational facility, enabling them to address the concerns instantly.
StopIt: Encouraging Responsible and Safe Reporting
Principal of Armstrong Junior High School, Dr. Randy Grierson, had positive remarks about the StopIt platform, “This is a tool I’ve used extensively. It has put a stop to numerous altercations amongst students, instilled problem-solving skills, taught them responsibility, and that’s essentially our goal – to prevent issues from happening.”
Application’s Role in School Environment
SOCSD is currently piloting the StopIt application with middle schoolers and junior high students. The central aim is to pre-empt and tackle potential concerns before they escalate and to connect students and their families with any necessary resources. Bullying, cyberbullying, suicide or self-harm, school violence, and substance abuse are some prevalent risk factors among young adolescence that the application seeks to address. School staff hope that the anonymity offered by the reporting system will encourage students to share their concerns without feeling embarrassed.
Training Sessions and User Accessibility
Students at both schools have undergone training and participated in activities on how to effectively use the StopIt application. The application is conveniently accessible via their school-issued Chromebook device. Additionally, students and their families can download the StopIt mobile application for use outside of school.
Responses On StopIt Implementation
“We’re very thrilled about the potential this application affords our staff at Armstrong and Partnership to serve our students,” said SOCSD Superintendent, Dr. Tony McGee. “The well-being and safety of our students remain our utmost priority, and we are confident this resource will further help in fostering a positive learning environment during these crucial middle school years.”
Once a report is sent through the application, multiple assigned staff members receive a text notification. This report, as well as any staff responses, can be viewed by administrators and counselors. They can anonymously communicate with the student who submitted the report to address and probe further into the concerns.
Encouraging Results Since Its Launch
Since the launch of the application a few weeks ago, school administrators are content with the students’ positive response to the new system. “It’s just another tool where students feel secure to express their concerns,” shared Jorine Neal, Principal at Partnership Middle School.
Our first responsibility is the safety of all students and staff, and we are witnessing how the StopIt app is aiding us in preventing issues before they can escalate and impede learning,” added Dr. Grierson.
