Dear West Genesee Families,
In a very short amount of time, the students, staff, parents, and community seem to be in full operation and well into the 2024-2025 school year. We are settling into habits of classroom schedules, transportation, practices, and events in many areas. The level of involvement and energy is palpable!
Over the past few weeks, there have been instances of messaging and use of social media that has resulted in concern. When the District is made aware of threatening social media posts, it is treated the same as would occur with a direct verbal threat.
An investigation begins immediately and involves emergency procedures, if appropriate, and notice to personnel within the District and with local law officials. We need to dissect the message, search for connections (author, other posts, and witnesses), and interview participants or leads that result from interviews.
During this early phase of an investigation, the District will communicate with families the knowledge of the concern brought to us with as much detail as is appropriate. An investigation is fluid and in real time often with changing circumstances. Updates are provided, but only when information does not interfere with an investigation and only when there are determined facts.
It is natural and expected that such communication from the District may lead to feelings of concern, anxiousness, and even fear. It is important to note that a communication only occurs when the priority of an established safety procedure is in place. If a building or all buildings were experiencing an emergency, communication can be difficult due to the procedures taking place. The notice is to inform you of the concern, assure you we know of the matter (that you may have heard about separately), and to provide updates. This is only done when we have already assured students’ and staff safety. The goal is to keep you informed and help if you receive communication of concern directly from your child. Rest assured, at that point, we are actively investigating the matter.
We often use the expression “see something, say something” and will continue to do so. The “… say something” is intended to promote sharing a concern with a source that can help to resolve the issue. It is often a trusted adult. It may start with a friend that helps to lead to seeking a person of authority. It never means to share and re-share the original message of concern. That action amplifies the issue, spreads fear, and adds confusion, particularly if the message is not factual. Social media can quickly cause confusion, even fear, due to misinformation, individual interpretation, and manipulation of the original messaging. We must emphasize the potential dangers of messages and the best ways to react to an upsetting post. Telling an adult as soon as possible is the best way to work toward resolving the situation.
In a recent case, students agreed to seek an administrator without resending or further amplifying the issue. They went to a trusted adult. This helped the situation tremendously and it was brought to resolution (it was deemed not credible) within a very short time period. Kudos to those students for following a productive path! Well done, Wildcats.
We have been holding assemblies about the topic of safety and the negative role that instant communication can create through Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat, TikTok, X/Twitter, and other forums. Similarly, we will be creating lessons that are age appropriate that will be delivered to small groups very soon.
Thank you for our work together as we face challenges and support our children.
Sincerely,
David C. Bills, Superintendent of Schools