Speak Up Speak Out (SUSO WI)

The Sparta Area School District is pleased to announce the launch of the SPEAK UP, SPEAK OUT confidential tipline as part of our school safety efforts.  (Replaces StopIt App) Tiplines are used to identify threats to schools, and for concerns impacting school age youth such as bullying, drug use, suicidal thoughts and more. Schools that promote and use tiplines have less violence overall. The SPEAK UP, SPEAK OUT (SUSO) tipline is run by the Wisconsin Department of Justice’s Office of School Safety.

It’s time to break the code of silence. Who knows more about what’s going on, in or out of school, than students themselves? Individually and collectively, students play an essential role in keeping our schools safe. Caregivers can support school safety efforts by helping children understand the clear difference between tattling or “snitching” and disclosing concerning information to a trusted adult to keep themselves and their classmates safe. The SUSO threat reporting system aims to empower students to share their concerns safely and confidentially without fear of retaliation. We encourage you to talk to your child about the importance of letting a trusted adult know when someone is struggling or demonstrating behaviors of concern. Early reporting of concerns prevents violence and allows us to provide interventions and supports to the child that is struggling.  

The SUSO threat reporting system is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year and is free to all. Students, parents, school staff and community members can submit information about a school safety concern by downloading the SUSO app (Android and iOS), visiting speakup.widoj.gov, by calling 1-800-MYSUSO-1, or by texting “SUSO” to 738477. SUSO Resource Center staff respond to reports and deploy a local response by communicating directly with school administrators; school counselors, psychologists, and social workers; and at times, law enforcement partners.  

To learn more about the SUSO Resource Center and how to report safety concerns, visit speakup.widoj.gov or find them on social media @speakupwi.