WESTPORT -- The state has put a strong emphasis on anti-bullying and social-emotional learning.

Westport Community Schools have heeded that call, according to school authorities.

The district, in partnership with the nonprofit Sandy Hook Promise, will take Feb. 25 to March 1 as a learning opportunity to strengthen their knowledge of warning “signs, signals, and threats from individuals who may want to hurt themselves or others,” according to Superintendent Gary Reese.

“The weeklong series will include a variety of events and training for students and staff to help them better understand the signs of potential threat and to empower everyone to ‘Say something,’” Reese said in a written statement.

“When it comes to violence, suicide, and threats, most are known by at least one other individual before the incident takes place. In fact, 80 percent of school shooters told someone of their violent plans prior to the event,” Reese added in the written statement. “Additionally, 7 out of 10 people who complete suicide told someone of their plans or gave some type of warning or indication. Imagine how much tragedy could be averted if these aware individuals said something.”

The nonprofit Sandy Hook Promise and the “Say Something” movement was formed by family members who lost loved ones in the Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting in 2012.

In the past, parents of some of the victims have visited the school district to talk about school violence issues.

This initiative is only one of many the school has taken to improve the social well-being of the school community, according to school authorities.

At the Feb. 6 School Committee meeting, Reese reported more vigilance among administration in staff at the junior/senior high school, including more staff presence in the hallways during passing times.

Reese mentioned that students at the school were also being recognized for strong character traits.

School officials also lauded how the junior/senior high school were targeting negative behaviors and tracking a decline in some negative student behavior.

“I am glad we are taking the time to make these things work better and more efficiently,” School Committee Chairman Antonio Viveiros said.

Reese also reported to the School Committee that the district is working on lockdown procedures. He noted that students are not being “scared” into thinking that there is an active shooter or intruder, but teachers and students have been discussing strategies and appropriate measures for improving school safety in wake of a threat or a potential violent event.

At the Macomber Primary School, principal Cheryl Greeson mentioned that her staff and students have experimented with a national “school play day,” encouraging students to play with each other and to avoid screen time.

She told the School Committee that the goal of the program is for students to work together and problem solve, relying on no screens and more face-to-face interaction.

Greeson said that both teachers and students loved the activity, encouraging students better social skills and cooperation.