Dear Highland Families,

I am writing to inform you about a concerning trend that has emerged on social media platforms, particularly TikTok, which has led to potentially dangerous incidents in several schools throughout the country—including our own Middle School. 

Students have been engaging in a challenge that involves inserting objects such as pencils and paper clips into the ports of their school-issued Chromebooks. This act is intended to cause the devices to short-circuit, leading to overheating, smoke, and in some cases, fires.

Many schools have been evacuated due to smoke and fire hazards resulting from this behavior. Although we are not aware of any reported injuries, the potential for harm is significant. We believe it is important to proactively address this issue to ensure the safety and well-being of our students and staff.

We kindly ask parents and guardians to have conversations with their children about the dangers of participating in online challenges such as these. Please emphasize the importance of using electronic equipment responsibly, and the serious consequences that can arise from tampering with school-issued devices. 

If your child observes or hears about any behavior related to this social media trend, we urge them to report it immediately to a teacher, school administrator, or trusted adult. Quick reporting can prevent potential hazards and ensure a safe learning environment for all.

Thank you for your attention to this matter and for your continued partnership in keeping our schools safe.

Sincerely,

Joel Freer

Superintendent of Schools

Highland Central School District