By Lawrence Fernandez, Safety and Security Manager

MADERA UNIFIED SCHOOL District is excited to announce that we will continue to provide 4th through 12th grade students with the STOPit app. The STOPit app is an anonymous reporting app in which all students can report: bullying, threats to the school, weapons, and drug use. Schools are a place for learning and this app provides students with the voice they need to communicate with two-way reporting to school administration, school police officers, and school safety staff about any concerns they have in regards to their safety and the safety of their peers while in school. 

Due to the app’s anonymity, it gives students courage to report incidents they may have feared reporting due to not wanting anyone to know that it was them. In addition to the mobile app, students can also report via the web and hotline. STOPit allows for 2-way dialogue with reporters in real time allowing for issues to be addressed before they turn into an emergency. Students have the ability to attach photos and/or videos free of charge and anonymously. The STOPit app is modern and easy to use and offers a web interface with the same functionality as well as a reporting hotline with call centers around the country that are accessible 24-7. 

Currently, MUSD has over 3400 activations, which in turn means over 3400 students have downloaded the app to their phone or a phone. Over the course of the last two years, over 30 weapons have been seized due to the app. Scores of students have been contacted and counseling sessions have begun with student showing depression.

Examples of how STOPit App has been used:

• A parent saw a change in their students’ behavior at home or after school. An anonymous text was sent to school administrators and a talk with the student found that he was being picked on walking home from school. The situation was addressed and the student’s situation was improved. 
• A student saw a change in their best friend’s behavior at school. The friend of the student appeared to be depressed. The friend reported via STOPit App and the student was called in and found to be depressed. The counselors were able to intervene and begin sessions with the student. 
• A student notified admin via STOPit that a classmate had a knife in their backpack and had been showing other students. Security was alerted to the item and was able to retrieve the student and the knife keeping the campus safe. 

Staff Reviews regarding STOPit

“The STOPit App is invaluable.” 

–Brad Holk, MTHS VP

“STOPit is a wonderful addition to MSHS! The amount of information that we received has been very helpful.”

–Ronda Vaughn, MSHS Lead Safety Officer

“The students have been comfortable using STOPit. The students trust the app more being able to stay anonymous leading to them reporting activities around campus.”

–Syria Obregon, MHS Safety Officer

“It’s a sense of relief knowing our students have an alternative resource provided to them.”

–Joe Valero, MHS Lead Safety Officer

“STOPit has been a good tool allowing students to voice their concerns.”

–Moises Perez, LaVina Principal