Dear DPM Parents and Guardians,

By now you may be aware that schools nationwide are experiencing the consequences of a viral TikTok challenge called “devious licks” that encourages students to vandalize or steal school property and then post videos or pictures of the damage they have caused on social media. TikTok has since banned the videos and related hashtags but the trend continues.

Over the past two weeks, our school bathrooms at DPM have been subject to significant acts of destruction, forcing us to close some of those facilities. This vandalism is not only costly, labor-intensive, and inconvenient - it is illegal. 

Aligning with DPM Values
We have held homeroom meetings to discuss the serious implications of these incidents with all students and have let them know that we will not hesitate to pursue strong disciplinary action against those who continue to commit these acts.  

Most importantly, we have taken this opportunity to put these acts into context relative to our Deer Path Core Values of Perseverance, Integrity, Compassion, and Curiosity. This kind of disrespectful behavior is disappointing and not who we are at DPM. 

Asking for Your Help
To be clear, a relatively small percentage of our students are directly engaged in vandalization, but many more are involved in encouraging it. The adolescent desire for popularity, approval, and “likes” is fueling this trend. With that in mind, we are writing to ask for your partnership. We know that the No.1 prevention strategy for these types of behaviors is a positive relationship with a caring parent/guardian or adult. 

  • Please review the DPM policy for cell phone and electronic device use during the school day: Cell phones, iPads, and other electronic devices are expected to be powered down when a student enters the school at DPM, unless otherwise permitted by a staff member. There will be three levels of consequences for students who are found using these items irresponsibly. Cell phone/electronic device usage may resume at the end of the school day, 3:35 PM. More information may be found on page 12 of the DPM Student Handbook (Braves Book).
  • Please talk to your children about how these incidents impact our school community, their fellow students, and our custodial staff.
  • Discuss how these actions align/don’t align with behaviors expected in your own family.
  • Remind students that they can help uphold our values by reporting these acts and subsequent videos to a trusted adult or by using the anonymous, online Incident Report located on the DPM home page of our website.
  • Talk about what it means to be a good “digital citizen.” Digital citizenship means taking part in online community life safely, ethically, and respectfully.
  • Consider reading the TikTok community guidelines together. It is important for students to know that just like our city or school, every online community has its own set of rules. You may find the TikTok community guidelines here. 
  • Encourage your students to be what we call “upstanders” in playing by the rules and fulfilling our values. This often takes personal courage and the support of family.

While this online trend will eventually wane, there will be others. Helping our students navigate these uncharted waters during their adolescent development is a shared responsibility. A strong alliance with our parent/guardian community allows us to ensure that our students know that they can talk to trusted adults in safe and healthy environments, where the lines of communication always remain open. 

Finally
We have so much to be grateful for this fall as we return to in-person learning - All In, Every Day. Treating our school and each other with kindness and respect is central to making the most of this opportunity.

Thank you for your partnership.

Tom

Tom Herion
Principal, Deer Path Middle School