Social Media Information for Parents and Guardians

September 26, 2022

Dear McCracken Parents and Guardians,

Digital media and technology is evolving at a rapid pace, bringing with it amazing opportunities as well as real risks for our children. On the positive side, young people are using the Internet and mobile technologies to create, connect, explore and learn in ways never before imagined. However, challenges from harmful behaviors, cyberbullying to digital cheating, are surfacing in schools and homes across the country. Young people face ethical challenges daily without a roadmap to guide them. 

In response to ongoing challenges involving students’ communication with peers, which ranges from in-person to text messages and social media posts, we would like to remind families of the importance of monitoring your childrens’ online, phone activity, and social media presence. We strive to create an environment that is safe both emotionally and physically, and want to be certain that the “if you see something, say something” message applies to the content students experience on social media outside of the school environment. Your partnership in helping us with this message is critical. 

There are many steps taken during the school year to help create a positive school community. Almost every Friday, students experience lessons and activities from our social emotional curriculum (Second Step), which include bullying, cyberbullying, and practicing digital citizenship. During student orientation in August, each grade rotates through multiple stations in order to define and discuss expected behaviors, including the safe use of technology, in common areas throughout the building. In addition, each Advisor reviews sections of our parent/student handbook, which includes student behavior expectations and discipline policies. 

Most recently, our 6th grade advisors facilitated an additional lesson focused on “Words Matter” to promote kindness and empathy when communicating with peers. Some students will use negative comments directed at another peer that may be offensive and then say that they were “just kidding”. Offensive language directed at peers or staff is never appropriate and can be extremely hurtful. Students who engage in bullying behavior including using offensive language will earn consequences in accordance with our disciplinary policies. 

Students have daily access to our anonymous reporting form, which encourages students, parents, and staff to report serious safety concerns to McCracken administration confidentially. We strongly encourage direct communication with a teacher, school administrator, or support staff member to address any problems that a student is facing in school. However, we know that sometimes there is a concern that a student or parent may want to communicate anonymously. The form may be accessed through our McCracken School website at www.sd735.org/mccracken and submissions are monitored on school days from 7:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. We take each potential bullying incident very seriously and work to be both proactive and responsive using a tiered and restorative approach that supports all students in middle school. 

Although we monitor behaviors at school, we do not have access to private social media accounts such as TikTok, Snapchat, or Instagram, which are the most popular social media sites used by our students. We will continue to do our part to monitor behavior and to educate students about safe and appropriate interactions both at school and online. We ask that you please reinforce this important message of kindness by speaking with your children and monitoring their online interactions at home. 

If you are interested in learning more about better guiding your children through the digital age, please attend a parent information night hosted by District 73.5:

Online Safety with Devorah Heitner
Tuesday, September 27th from 6:30 to 8:00 p.m.
McCracken Middle School

Dr. Heitner is the author of Screenwise: Helping Kids Thrive (and Survive) in Their Digital World. Learn more about Dr. Heitner on her website.

Thank you,

McCracken Middle School Administration

Mrs. Nancy Ariola, Principal
Mr. Marty Behm, Assistant Principal
Mrs. Priya Amin, Assistant Principal