PRINT ARTICLE

Print    Close This Window
Message from the Superintendent: Social Media Challenges and Procedural Changes for Home Football Games
October 14, 2021
 
 
Good afternoon parents, students, and staff,
 
Our District, like many across the country, was impacted by last month's TikTok challenge that encouraged students to steal school items and supplies. While the recent TikTok trend may have seemed like an innocent prank to students, it had serious financial consequences to the District and necessitated the closure of several bathrooms for repairs. The challenge also distracted our maintenance and custodial staff from their efforts to keep students safe and learning in-person. 
 
We have learned that additional social media challenges are being promoted for the rest of the school year, including those that encourage theft, violence, vandalism, and inappropriate touching. We share this information as a proactive measure with the hope that deterring these challenges can help us avoid the serious consequences that accompany them. 
 
Monitoring Social Media
Please partner with us by monitoring your child's use of social media and speaking with them about the dangers associated with different social media platforms, remind your child of the seriousness of these TikTok challenges, and stress the importance of showing respect for their school, school staff members, and their fellow classmates. Even if your child doesn't have TikTok, and/or isn't likely to be involved in this type of behavior, please make sure they are aware that participating in destructive, dangerous, or illegal behaviors encouraged by these proposed challenges can result in serious school consequences and legal ramifications.
 
Procedural Changes for Home Football Games - Effective October 15, 2021
In addition to these concerning social media challenges, in the last few weeks, we have witnessed a significant increase in inappropriate behavior by students at the West Shore Stadium during home football games. 
 
As a result, fencing has been added to restrict access to the grassy areas, and we are implementing the following requirements for all home football games at the West Shore Stadium:
 
  • All elementary and middle school students must be accompanied and supervised by an adult at all times. Unaccompanied elementary and middle school students will not be permitted to enter the stadium.
  • Unaccompanied Cedar Cliff and Red Land High School students must present student ID. 
  • The expectation is that all students watch the game from the stands. Students will not be permitted to gather in groups at the ticket gates and concession areas. 
  • Students must also follow the West Shore Stadium Bag Policy (click here to review). Students should not attempt to bring Chromebooks or other unnecessary items (skateboards, scooters, footballs, large backpacks, etc.) to the stadium.

Please remind your children that school sporting events are school functions, and student behavioral expectations are the same as when they are in school. Fighting, profanity, bullying, and harassment will not be permitted. Those joining us at the West Shore Stadium should be there to watch the game and to support the football players, cheerleaders, and the West Shore Marching Band.
 
Thank you for taking these matters seriously, and for partnering with us to provide a safe and respectful environment for all members of our school community to learn and spend time together. 
 
 
Sincerely,
 
Todd B. Stoltz, Ed.D.
Superintendent
[email protected]
#WestShoreProud