8/9/2019 School responds to fight video

1/1

The Board

Of Education

Of Worcester

County

6270 Worcester Highway

ewark, Md 21841-9746

Telephone: (410) 632-5000

Fax: (410) 632-0364

www.worcesterk12.com

ADMINISTRATION

JERRY WILSON, Ph.D.

Superintendent of Schools

JOHN R. QUINN, Ed.D.

Chief Academic Officer

LOUIS H. TAYLOR

Chief Operating Officer

VINCENT E. TOLBERT, C.P.A.

Chief Financial Officer

BOARD MEMBERS

ROBERT A. ROTHERMEL, JR.

President

SARA D. THOMPSON

Vice-President

BARRY Q. BRITTINGHAM, SR.

JONATHAN C. COOK

ERIC W. CROPPER, SR.

J. DOUGLAS DRYDEN

WILLIAM L. GORDY

Excellence in EducationIn Worcester County, People Make the Difference

Serving the Youth of Worcester County Since 1868

January 28, 2015

Dear Parents and Guardians,

Disputes happen in society. The keys to conflict resolution are to resolve issues constructively

and with respect for others. In schools, the same principles are true.

When conflicts arise, and they will, we encourage our students to seek help from an adult. If a

conflict seems to be escalating, students are encouraged to speak with a teacher, staff member,

school counselor, or administrator. Keeping lines of communication open, where trust is earned

and shared, is essential to sustaining a positive school environment.

Any actions or behaviors that risk the safety of otherssuch as fightingwill not be tolerated.

Similarly, any language or images that are hateful toward others will not be tolerated. Our

schools must have positive, respectful climates where everyone feels welcome, respected, and

safe.

Social media can complicate conflicts. Schools, parents, and the community must work together

to help our young people understand the negative impacts associated with misusing social

media. Misuse of social mediasuch as posting a fight or making derogatory statements about

othersis not just a family problem or a school problem; it is a community problem. We must a

share in the solution. Together, we can help our young people learn what appropriate social

media etiquette is and what it is not.

One reality that social media shows us is the role of the bystander: The person watching an

altercation; the person filming the fight; the person clicking like for a hurtful social media

posting; or the person who remains silent. Please work with usat home, in school, and withinour communityto help our youth know that we all are responsible for our actions, including

the bystander. Getting help and reporting improper social media postings are the responsibility

of each and every Worcester County citizen.

We will be having ongoing dialogues about where responsibility rests for safe environments: It

rests with each of us. Before anyone can learn, they must feel safe and respected. Please help us

in sharing this message.

In partnership,

Jerry Wilson, Ph.D.

Superintendent of Schools

Thomas D. Zimmer

Principal of Stephen Decatur High School