INFORMATIONAL

  Governor Jim Gilmore has recently taken a number of steps to
  promote the safety of school children in Virginia.  One of
  those initiatives is a partnership with Bell Atlantic of
  Virginia, GTE-Virginia, and the Virginia Information
  Providers Network (VIPNet) to establish the 4-Safe-VA
  Program.  

  The 4-SAFE-VA Program offers a toll-free telephone number
  and on-line reporting.  Either option provides an
  opportunity whereby students can report safety concerns to
  adults in authority.

  To complement this effort, a colorful poster has been
  developed that can be displayed in each school.  The poster
  gives the telephone number for the toll-free school safety
  hotline and encourages students to keep their school safe.

  Ten posters are being mailed to each division
  superintendent, each high school principal, and each middle
  school principal.  Please encourage the principals to
  display these posters prominently in time for this year's
  opening day of school.  

  We believe that Virginia has the safest schools in the
  nation.  We sincerely appreciate your continuing support to
  maintain confidence in school safety efforts.

  Questions may be directed to Arlene Cundiff in the Office of
  Compensatory Programs at (804) 225-2910.

  PDS/ADC/saj