April 12, 2021

The Tuscaloosa County School System and school safety technology provider Gaggle are partnering to provide a way for students to confidentially report threats of violence, bullying, peers in crisis, and other imminent threats through the SpeakUp for Safety tip line.

Students will be able to contact the SpeakUp tip line through email, phone call, or text message. There is no need for students to download a mobile app. The Gaggle SpeakUp for Safety tip line integrates directly with Office 365, to which TCSS students already have access. Students will see the SpeakUp for Safety address whenever they start to compose an email. SpeakUp for Safety’s instant email replies include a phone number that students can use for text messages or phone calls. The email address and TCSS’s dedicated SpeakUp for Safety phone number will also be shared with students through their schools.

Email address: speakup@tcss.net

Call or text: (659) 734-2808

Trained Gaggle safety representatives evaluate information that comes into the tip line 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. Gaggle representatives send an email regarding non-life-threatening items to designated school or district staff members. In severe situations, district-appointed contacts are notified immediately. In the most imminent cases, Gaggle will contact law enforcement to intervene if they are unable to notify a district-appointed contact.

If you have questions about the SpeakUp for Safety tip line, please contact your school administrator. Students will be made aware about the program through their schools.

Since 1999, Gaggle has worked to help K-12 districts manage student safety on school-provided technology. Using a combination of artificial intelligence and trained safety experts, the safety solution proactively assists districts 24/7/365 in the prevention of student suicide, bullying, inappropriate behaviors, school violence, and other harmful situations.

SpeakUp for Safety - Information Sheet