AnComm - Student Safety/Information Tool

[Wayward]

AnComm is an online messaging system that allows students to anonymously seek assistance from educators on issues ranging from drugs and bullying to potential school violence.

AnComm (http://www.ancomm.com/default.aspx)

Does anyone have first-hand experience with this system? I understand it was introduced to the Petal school system earlier this year and is currently in use at Pearl ... among many other school districts.

It sounds like a very effective way to get students involved in solving personal and school problems using what would initially be an anonymous basis.

:smt006

[Maggie-Doodle]

I think that the Picayune School District has either just gotten it or is in the process...from what I hear it is a good tool for the schools...alot of kids are afraid to "rat" their friends/classmates out...they don't want to be seen as a "snitch"...this system lets them pass important stuff on anon.
Any tool that helps is a blessing these days.

[Kitty]

According to the schools listed in the drop down box on AnComm's Web site, both Burger Middle School and Hattiesburg High School are using AnComm.

I'm glad to see the Lamar County School District get on board with this product.

[Wayward]

I understand there was an excellent presentation at tonight's Lamar County School Board meeting and the board voted to move forward with the project in all middle and high schools. Good move ...

And you're right Maggie-D ... it gives students the opportunity to protect themselves and others without being tagged as a "snitch." It's a shame we've come to this but as any law enforcement person will tell you, inside information is the key.

AnComm handles the identities and no one in the school district has access unless the student confides in the school contact. There are three situations where anonymity is not assured ... severe danger for the student making the report, severe danger to another student or severe danger to the school in general. This would include stuff like weapons, threats of suicide, etc. The students are made aware of these three exceptions during initial training on the system.

:smt006