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Worthington pilots Syntegix alerting system and highlights student safety efforts
Summary
Superintendent Dr. Bowers told the board the district is piloting Syntegix at five buildings and will consider districtwide adoption after staff and family input; the district also promoted Start With Hello Week and a forthcoming safety communication.
The Worthington Board of Education heard on Sept. 9 that the district is piloting a location‑alerting safety system and continuing multiple safety initiatives for the new school year.
Doctor John Bowers, superintendent, told the board that “Worthington Schools entered into a contract with Syntegix and we're currently piloting their system at Brookside, Worthington Estates, Perry Middle School, Phoenix Middle School, and Worthington Academy.” He said the system “is designed to alert safety services to exact locations in the school to save critical time and it's designed to empower teachers.”
Bowers said the district will decide whether to implement Syntegix districtwide after discussions with staff, principals and some families later this fall. He also said the district will issue a safety communication blog post and that information is available on the district safety web page.
Separately, Bowers highlighted Start With Hello Week — a social‑emotional program tied to Sandy Hook Promise — calling it an elementary counselor‑led effort to “prioritiz[e] being seen, heard, and valued.” The week’s activities include daily themes such as “Make Someone Smile Day,” “Sit With Someone New,” “Ways to Say Hello” and “Trusted Adult Thursday,” intended to foster student connection and reduce isolation.
Board members asked about stakeholder engagement; Bowers said the district will consult staff members, principals and “probably some families” before deciding on districtwide Syntegix implementation. No formal board action on Syntegix was recorded; the item was presented as an update and pilot evaluation.
