Addressing concerning social media posts
Recently schools across the state and nation have seen an increase in concerning social media posts threatening schools or spreading false information about students and staff. Here in Stillwater we have seen a number of concerning social media posts in the past few weeks, including several today that led to a modified lockdown at Stillwater Area High School. (Watch a video from Principal Rob Bach regarding the events at SAHS). These types of messages not only disrupt our learning environment, they also create fear and uncertainty in our community.
Safety is our top priority
The physical safety and emotional wellbeing of our students, staff and families is our top priority. Maintaining safe and welcoming schools requires an ongoing partnership with school staff, students, families, law enforcement and the surrounding community. We take any threat against our students or staff very seriously and fully investigate each threat - whether it’s made on social media, by text, email, verbal or in written form - in collaboration with our local law enforcement partners.
Issuing a threat can be considered a crime
Threats are not a joke. Hoax threats could result in an arrest by law enforcement and/or suspension or expulsion by the school district. They can have devastating consequences—both for the public and for those who post them. Please talk with your children about what could be perceived as a threat and what the consequences could be.
Social media posts can impact our entire community
The posting and sharing of concerning content on social media can have a serious impact on our community. Reposting or sharing these posts can create significant harm by creating further panic and creating an unmanageable situation for our school officials and police. Spreading unconfirmed information can disrupt the learning environment for our students. It can also trigger emotional trauma and distress for students, school staff and families.
Things to remember
We want all of our students and staff to feel safe at school. Don’t share or forward concerning content. Instead, forward anything concerning to school officials and law enforcement to investigate.
- Don’t ever post or share threats or other concerning content on social media.
- If you see a threat of violence posted online or in another form, contact local law enforcement immediately.
- If you are the target of an online threat or other inappropriate content, call your local police office immediately.
- Bayport Police Department: 651-275-4400
- Oak Park Heights Police Department: 651-439-4723
- Stillwater Police Department: 651-351-4940
- Washington County Sheriff’s Office: 651-439-9381
- Woodbury Police Department: 651-714-3600
- If you become aware of any concerning messages or behavior, report it to school administrators and/or local police. For non-emergency situations, you can also report anonymously online through our See Something, Say Something form.
Thank you for partnering with us to keep our schools safe for our students and staff.
|
|
|
In Other News
The School Board of Stillwater Area Public Schools is accepting applications from residents of Independent School District No. 834 interested in serving on the School Board for one vacant director position.
Students in several engineering and design and make courses are busy creating assistive devices to help a 3-legged dog get around easier.
Stillwater students earned ten 1st place awards as well as five 2nd place and one 3rd place.
Camryn Anderson, a senior at the high school, was listed among the top 20 student artists recognized in the 2023 Student Spotlight Competition.
Ben Straka, who teaches astronomy and biology, was one of just 10 teachers across the country recognized by The National Society of High School Scholars (NSHSS).
The competition is considered the most prestigious prize in student computer science.
A calendar has been approved for the 2023-2024 school year.
Stillwater mountain bikers placed 1st and 2nd in the Minnesota Cycling Association All State Finale.