The following message is from North Albany Middle School Principal Andrea Piper:
Dear Families:
I am writing to let you know about a serious matter that I and our building staff addressed with all of our students in school Monday.
We learned Monday that some of our students were sharing a video that showed two of their peers engaging in sexual activity. This is not only inappropriate, but also a violation of our school district’s Student Code of Conduct and potentially a crime.
We are investigating this matter thoroughly in partnership with law enforcement officials due to the nature of the infraction. Law enforcement officials may take action based on their own investigation.
Our administration and Student Support Team met with all of our students during their study hall periods Monday to discuss this matter. We reminded students that whenever they receive a video or other material that is not appropriate they should discontinue viewing it, refrain from sharing it and report it to an adult immediately. They should not have inappropriate material on their cell phones or computers, share it or allow it to be shared from any devices.
In addition to consequences they could encounter for potential violations of school policies and the law, I reminded them that participating in the circulation of inappropriate material can cause physical and emotional harm to another person.
Please remind your children at home that while they cannot control another person sending them information, they can control what they do after receiving something inappropriate. I reminded them to think before they act, and of our district-wide guideline, “If you see something, say something.”
The safety and security of all of our students and staff at North Albany Middle School and throughout the City School District of Albany is a top priority. If you have any questions about this matter, or safety and security in general at our school, please contact me at (518) 475-6800.
