Ever since kindergarten, students were taught to tell the truth and inform an adult if there is a problem. This seemed like an easy task when young but as students grow older, it is harder to speak out about certain problems. High school administrators understand this idea and that is why they have implemented “Text-a-Tip.”
Text-a-Tip is a program that allows students and parents to anonymously send a text or email message to the school officials and administrators about concerns they may have for their own safety or the safety of others.
“A lot of students nowadays are afraid to tell adults what’s going on because they don’t want to be considered a ‘snitch,’ or in other words a tattle-tale,” senior Heather Hollis said.
If a student chooses to send a tip through their cellular device, all they have to do is text #FHS and then their message to 274637.
If students decide to email a tip to school officials, all they have to do is go to the school website, then scroll down under Quick Links and click on “Text-a-Tip.”
All students who choose to report a tip should feel reassured that their tip will remain anonymous because the program encrypts the text messages and routes them through 3rd party servers that protects the personal information of the tipster. The student will be assigned a unique ID that allows them to choose to have a two-way conversation between them and an official. Once an official receives a tip, further investigation is done immediately to resolve the threat or problem.
Administrators also want to remind students that false reporting is a federal crime and can put a student in jail. Personal information can be secured if necessary for use in prosecution in court for false tips such a bomb threats. The school does not take these tips lightly because they are a serious matter that should not be made a joke.
“I like how our school implemented ‘Text-a-Tip’ because students can feel as though they are always safe in the building,” Hollis said. “One day, this server can maybe save someone’s life.”
Tips are monitored regularly but administrators want to let people know that they are not monitored 24/7. Therefore, if there is a real emergency, students need to dial 911.
For more information or how to submit your own tip, visit the school website or talk to one of the school officials.
