Dear Families,
I am writing to make you aware of a concerning trend circulating on TikTok and other social media platforms that pose a significant risk to student safety and school property.
This trend involves inserting small metal objects (such as paper clips or pushpins) into the charging ports or internal components of Chromebooks to create an electrical short circuit. This can result in sparking, electrical fires, and even battery punctures, all of which can cause serious injury and damage.
If students choose to participate in this inappropriate behavior, full replacement of the district Chromebook is charged to the students and family at a cost of $350 per device. Additionally, the students involved may face disciplinary action.
Board policy 224, “Care of School Property” states, “It is the policy of the Board that students who willfully cause damage to school property shall be subject to disciplinary measures. Students and others who damage or deface school property may be prosecuted and punished under law. Parents/Guardians shall be held accountable for the actions of their child.”
In addition, the acts outlined in the trend are considered vandalism and as outlined in board policy 815, “vandalism shall result in loss of access privileges, disciplinary action, and/or referral to legal authorities.” Also, student behavior expectations for district-issued electronic devices are outlined in the Student/Family Handbook, which can be found on our district-website and on each student’s device.
We are asking for your support in speaking with your child about the very real dangers of this behavior, as well as reinforcing the importance of treating school-issued devices with care.
If you have any questions or concerns, please contact your child’s school office. Thank you for your attention to this update.
Sincerely,
Ashley Rizzo, Ed.D.
Superintendent of Schools