Implementation of the Sandy Hook Promise program in Tyrrell County Schools will begin August 10when a representative of the nonprofit organization will present a program overview to all school staff members, Dr. Travis Twiford, interim superintendent, announced June 29.

Later, the representative will begin work with designated school personnel who will be involved in the direct administration of the program.

Sandy Hook Promise provides programs and practices that protect children from gun violence.

“These free programs not only help students and staff learn to recognize and report threats, they also teach strategies that can be used to combat isolation, the threat of suicide, and potential violence,” a Promise spokesperson explained.

Included is an education and awareness program that provides tools and practices to recognize the signs and signals of a potential threat (especially in social media), and teaches and instills in participants how to take action.

By building a culture of “looking out for one another” and reporting possible threats of violence when someone sees, reads or hears something (especially within social media), entire communities will become safer and lives will be saved, Sandy Hook Promise leaders declare.