Robbinsville to roll out Safe NJ app for grades 5–12, district says funding covered by grant

The Robbinsville Board of Education heard a presentation on Dec. 16 about Safe NJ, a mobile and Chromebook app that gives students and families three ways to request help: resource links, live counseling ("Second Floor") and an anonymous tip function.

A representative speaking on behalf of the Robbinsville Principals and Supervisors Association said Safe NJ is funded through a Stop It School Violence Act grant and therefore will not require district operating funds. The presenter described the app’s three buttons: resources for food, clothing and self‑help tools; direct contact with trained counselors 24/7; and a "submit a tip" feature that allows anonymous reporting of concerns. The presentation included a short video demonstration.

Rollout plan: the district plans to require students in grades 5–12 to download the app after winter break; the technology department will also load the app onto district Chromebooks for grades 5–12 the week of Jan. 12. The administration said it will monitor activity from January through March and evaluate whether to expand implementation to fourth grade.

Privacy and escalation: presenters emphasized confidentiality and explained escalation pathways. Building administrators and the superintendent said that, depending on the screening results, a concern can be handled at the school level or escalated directly to the Robbinsville Township Police Department; parents will be notified when appropriate. Staff said the system will send alerts directly to administrators’ cell phones to improve timeliness compared with relying on email.

Cost and support: the presenter said Safe NJ is not a substitute for existing safety protocols but an additional tool; funding comes from a federal grant, and the district’s partnership with school resource officers was described as supportive.

What’s next: the district plans parent outreach, faculty training, and a monitoring window from January to March to evaluate usage and whether implementation should be broadened to younger students.