Superintendent Correspondence regarding TikTok Challenge

Dear Abington School District Families,

I want to make you aware of a troubling new social media challenge that has been circulating among students across the Greater Philadelphia area and nationwide. It is mainly a TikTok challenge, but has appeared on other platforms as well, through which individuals are encouraged to post a threat regarding violence in schools. I want to be clear that there is no specific threat associated with Abington School District or any of our schools.

Threats of violence will not be tolerated in Abington Schools.

We are asking our parents/guardians to please speak with your children about the seriousness of participating in such challenges, or making any threats against a school, regardless of their intentions. All threats are evaluated in cooperation with the Abington Township Police Department, and if an investigation shows that a student has verbally made a threat or expressed one in writing, consequences can include suspension, expulsion, and/or police charges. Please emphasize to your student that such consequences are serious and can have long-term impacts on students’ futures. 

Below are helpful resources for families that may assist in conversations with your children about online safety and social media:

• Internet Matters – A hub of information to help families navigate the risks and rewards of social media
• Internet Safety – Resources from the Pennsylvania Department of Education focused on online safety

Abington School District administration continues to work with the Abington Township Police Department to develop programming to address these topics for students and the broader community. 

Any threat, regardless of whether you think it was serious in nature, should be reported immediately. 

As shared in my communication to families earlier this month, individuals who may be a risk to themselves or others may be reported through the Safe2Say website, app, or phone number, to the school principal, or to one of the following members of the District Threat Assessment Team: Dr. James Melchor, Assistant Superintendent (215-881-2508); Mr. Steven Hochwind, School Police Officer, (215-881-2554); or Dr. Robert Rosenthal, Supervisor of Student Services (215-881-2552). Threats will be investigated using the following process, and disciplinary consequences will be issued in accordance with the following Superintendent’s Administrative Procedure (SAP). 

It cannot be said enough that the safety of our students and staff is our top priority in Abington School District. School is, and should be, a safe place for students and staff to engage in meaningful teaching and learning. I appreciate the support of our employees, students, their families, and the broader community in these efforts. 

Regards,

Jeffrey S. Fecher, Ed.D.

Superintendent of Schools