AVERILL PARK, N.Y. — Students in the Averill Park Central School District now have access to an innovative mental health resource as the district rolls out a new personal support app. Called “HELPme,” the app enables students to seek assistance anonymously, report concerns or threats, and access various mental health resources.
The district announced the initiative in a letter to guardians on February 28, granting access to students in grades 4 through 12 across all five district schools. The app is available on school-issued Chromebooks, and parents of students from kindergarten through 12th grade can also download it on their personal devices, according to district officials.
The HELPme app offers students a range of wellness tools, including self-help tips, school and community support services, and a crisis text line that connects users with over 27,000 trained crisis counselors available 24/7, 365 days a year. Additionally, students can use the app to text school personnel for help or to report potential threats—while maintaining anonymity if they choose.
Encouraging Safe and Anonymous Reporting
While in-person conversations remain encouraged, Superintendent James Franchini emphasized that some students may feel uncomfortable reporting bullying, harassment, or threats directly to an adult. “A recommended best practice is to have an anonymous reporting system in place,” Franchini told NEWS10. “This fills a void that we have been trying to address for our school community for some time.”
By implementing the HELPme app, the district aims to create a safer school environment for students, staff, and visitors. Franchini noted that school safety has been a long-standing concern for districts nationwide, including Averill Park. “The utilization of the HELPme app is a proactive approach to school safety and is a key component of our school culture and safety planning,” he added.
Tracking Usage and Effectiveness
As the school community continues to integrate the HELPme app, officials will analyze usage data to understand how students are engaging with the platform. The district can track which local resources are most accessed, how many conversations students have with counselors, and the number of concern reports filed at each school.
This data will help shape future mental health initiatives and ensure students receive the support they need. By embracing technology-driven solutions like HELPme, Averill Park schools are taking a critical step toward prioritizing student well-being and safety.
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