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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 we are investigating in our school community. Our staff learned Friday afternoon that a video showing violent and sexually explicit behavior has been shared with some of our students via social media. 

This is not only inappropriate, but also a violation of the City School District of Albany Student Code of Conduct. In cases like this, we also engage law enforcement due to the nature of the infraction. Law enforcement may take action based on their own investigation.

We have been investigating this matter since it came to our attention. Beginning Thursday, I and members of our administrative team, along with members of our Student Support Team, will begin talking with our students about this matter in classrooms. These conversations will continue throughout the week so that we can engage with all of our students. 

We are reminding our students that whenever they receive a video or other inappropriate material they should stop viewing it, refrain from sharing it and report it to an adult right away. 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, we are reminding them that participating in the circulation of inappropriate material can cause physical and emotional harm to another person. 

We ask that you remind your children of these things at home as well. Please also remind them that, while they cannot control another person sending them information, they can control what they do after receiving something inappropriate. Remind 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 employees at North 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.