In the wake of a whirlwind couple of weeks fueled largely by misinformation, Kingfisher Public Schools is adding a user-friendly route for reporting and tracking school safety concerns.

KPS is now offering the Safe School Helpline, which will allow any member of the community to anonymously report any number of activities that may be taking place at the school.

“There are occasionally times when students or parents would like to provide information to a school but hesitate because they do not want their identities known,” said Superintendent Jason Sternberger via a press release.

This “helpline” will help remedy some of that unease, school officials say, “whether it is a student who fears being called a ‘snitch’ or ‘narc’ by peers, or a resident who worries about vandalism in retaliation for reporting a crime, threat of violence, possession or use of drugs or alcohol, reckless driving, or any other illegal activity.”

There are multiple ways to report.

From a touch-tone phone, a person can dial 1-800-4-1-VOICE (418-6423), extension 359 to leave information.

The caller’s identity is protected and he or she is never asked to give a name.

The voice message is typed then sent to school officials via text or email.

“In this way, no one except an operator hears the voice,” the release said.

If the caller would prefer to speak with a live mental health counselor, they can do so by selecting option ‘3.’

For those who prefer reporting via the internet, reports can be made by logging onto www.safeschoolhelpline.com.

Persons can also text 66746 then type TIPS and follow the prompts.

There is also a free “Safe Schools Helpline” app, available in the iTunes and Google Play stores, from which reports can be made anonymously.

Each report is assigned a case number.

The reporting party can then call back to the Helpline to check the school’s progress on the report, or to provide more information.

A report can be made 24 hours a day/seven days a week and, based on the urgency of the situation, schools will be contacted accordingly.

Ordinarily, the principal of the school where the alleged offense occurred will investigate.

Should a crime such as possession of a weapon be reported, Sternberger will be notified immediately, day or night, and he will contact the police department.

“We want our students and patrons to feel welcome to contact us anytime in the event of an emergency,” Sternberger told the Times & Free Press.

“But this is another opportunity for those who want to remain anonymous, but make a report to help make our schools an even safer place to be.”