A student's tweets prompted Green Bay's Notre Dame Academy to send a letter to parents Wednesday, but school administrators said there's no threat to the school or students.
"We take safety and security very seriously at Notre Dame," said Jeanne Stangel, the school's Vice President for Advancement.
The school and police have not released what the tweet said, only that it was concerning.
Multiple parents and students alerted the school about potentially threatening tweets on a 17-year-old student's account, prompting the school to contact Green Bay Police. Police met with the student and his parents, and said he is cooperating.
"We're always going to respond as if it's true," said Lt. Dave Wesely with Green Bay Police. "The school is going to respond as if it's true, and that's what happened in this case."
At this time, no charges have been filed against him.
Police and school administrators are reminding students that they shouldn't post anything on social media that they wouldn't say in person, even if they are joking.
"Social media is not the place to be venting, to be joking around, or to be sending threatening messages," said Lt. Wesely.
The school also noted in the letter that it will have an increased police presence at next week's Academy Ball. Officers will be on hand until the post-ball celebration ends at 3 a.m.
The full text of the letter emailed to parents is copied below:
Dear NDA Community,
As you may have already heard, a situation concerning communication was reported regarding a Notre Dame Academy student's Twitter account. We are working with our police liaison officer and the Green Bay Police Department to address the situation. At this time, we feel there is no threat to individual students or Notre Dame Academy.
We want to assure you that the safety of our students and staff is always our number one priority, and we are committed to providing a safe and welcoming environment for all.
In heightened awareness involving school safety across the state and nation, this is a good time to remind students and parents about social media etiquette. A general best practice is not to say anything on social media that you would not say to the person face to face.
Regarding social media and technology, our parent and student handbook states:
"Notre Dame Academy does not actively monitor student use of technology (internet blogs, social networking sites, chat rooms, etc.). While our filtering system establishes some parameters for appropriate use within our building, students and parents/guardians are primarily responsible for the appropriate and ethical use of technology, especially in the home.
Harassment is verbal or physical conduct that denigrates or shows hostility or aversion toward an individual or that of his/her relatives, friends or associates, and the ... 3) use of technological resources and/or cyber bullying (i.e. text messages, digital pictures, social networking sites, e-mails, etc.)."
Finally, on May 7 at the Academy Ball, in addition to our regular security measures, the on-site police presence will be extended until the conclusion of the Post-Academy Ball celebration at 3 a.m.
Please take a moment this week to discuss safety measures and social media etiquette with your child. If you or your child finds anything at any time to be suspicious on social media or at school, please report it to a school official. No concern is too small.
In Christ and Notre Dame,
Kevin J. Shaw
President
Notre Dame Academy
