Dear Parents and Guardians:
We’re reaching out to families today because we’ve received calls and emails about a post on TikTok that has gone viral. We’ve heard from colleagues in other school districts where students are talking about this same post, which makes a vague reference to school violence on Friday, Dec. 17.
Although a post like this is very concerning, it is our understanding that this post has no direct connection to any of Glens Falls’ schools. Our GFPD School Resource Officer John Norton has been investigating this chatter since Wednesday morning, and continues to closely monitor the feedback within our school community. For peace of mind tomorrow morning, additional GFPD officers will be on hand at the Middle and High schools, with additional patrols circulating at all of Glens Falls’ schools throughout the day.
We are grateful that people have reached out to our principals to share this information. That is the correct response when there is any concern! If you encounter any information that might be helpful to us, please let us know. Also, remind your child that if they see or hear something that seems out of place, or is worrisome, they should tell a trusted adult right away.
Unlike Facebook and Twitter, which mostly show you content from people you know or follow, TikTok has a feed that prioritizes content that is highly engaging, which includes people you do not know. That is why this post became especially viral.
Please take a moment to talk with your child about what they can do to be safe, kind, and responsible on social media.
- If you or your student have any concerns about safety, those should be shared immediately with any Glens Falls principal, assistant principal, or Officer Norton. Even if you don’t know all the facts, please share what you know and we will investigate. Again, we appreciate those of you who connected with our principals yesterday.
- Set appropriate boundaries for social media usage and know what your child is doing on social media. Social media draws tremendous attention from young people. Middle and high school students are very impressionable. Your continual guidance is essential to ensure your child is safe, kind and responsible online, especially outside of school hours when they are most likely to be on social media.
- Students follow what they see and hear in their homes. Discuss online behaviors, and how your family could be a source of uplift for others.
- The Glens Falls school community has connections to many resources and supports for families. Whenever you might need help, please reach out.
Thank you again for your partnership and always feel free to contact us.