Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Student Safety Programs topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Coalition offers free Be Alert assemblies on online safety; district to consider logistics
Summary
Representatives of the Lake Ozark Stop Human Trafficking Coalition told the Camdenton R-III board on May 12 they will provide the Be Alert student-assembly package — a cinematic, age-appropriate online-safety presentation — at no cost to the district for a standard $5,000 package the coalition will cover.
Representatives from the Lake Ozark Stop Human Trafficking Coalition presented the Be Alert student-assembly program to the Camdenton R-III School District Board of Education on May 12 and said the coalition would cover the $5,000 base cost for a student-assembly package.
Samantha Killam and Jeff Green introduced the program and said Russ Tuttle, the Be Alert founder and president, leads cinematic assemblies designed by age group. Killam said the program is “all about online safety” and is an experience — not a curriculum — that uses professionally produced films and an in-person presenter to prompt discussion and encourage students to tell a trusted adult when something online makes them feel unsafe.
Russ Tuttle and coalition representatives described the package and follow-up supports: an evening adult-only community presentation; age-appropriate student assemblies (K–2, 3–5, 6–8 and 9–12), with voluntary anonymous surveys for middle and high school students; pre-session discussion guides for teachers; and follow-up classroom resources. The presenters said as of April 2025 the program had reached more than 278,000 individuals and that a standard package cost is $5,000; the coalition offered to cover that cost for Camdenton R-III.
Board members asked multiple logistical questions. One member asked how the program would work at the district’s outlying campuses and when students are bused in; presenters said they can repeat assemblies at additional sites or arrange the schedule to fit building layouts and bus schedules. A board member asked about fifth- and sixth-grade groupings where locals combine grades 5 and 6 in the same building; presenters said they would adapt sessions by building rather than strictly by grade band. A member asked whether the full presentations or film samples are viewable online; presenters pointed to a QR code and the program website for more material.
Presenters emphasized parent outreach: the program includes a 15-minute film recommended to be sent to families and a community presentation scheduled the evening before student assemblies. The coalition said it will cover travel expenses in Kansas and Missouri and that additional classroom presentations beyond the core package are available at reduced per-session rates.
Board members said they would discuss the proposal with staff and follow up with presenters. No formal contract or action was taken at the meeting.
