GREEN BAY, WI (WTAQ) – Green Bay police say a 17-year-old male student is facing possible criminal charges after posting “potentially threatening” messages on Twitter.
But Lt. Dave Wesely says the Notre Dame Academy student has not been arrested.
“The district attorney’s office is reviewing the case right now,” Lt. Wesely told WTAQ. “The police department and the school are working together with the parents of the student to come up with what the best resolution to this is.”
Police were called Wednesday afternoon to Notre Dame Academy and met with the student, who they say has been cooperating with the investigation.
Other students alerted school officials to the students’ tweets, which began this investigation.
An email explaining the threat, the investigation, and security plans at the school was sent to parents Wednesday evening.
Dear NDA Community,
As you may have already heard, a situation concerning communication was reported regarding a Notre Dame Academy student’s Twitter account. We are working with our police liaison officer and the Green Bay Police Department to address the situation. At this time, we feel there is no threat to individual students or Notre Dame Academy.
We want to assure you that the safety of our students and staff is always our number one priority, and we are committed to providing a safe and welcoming environment for all.
In heightened awareness involving school safety across the state and nation, this is a good time to remind students and parents about social media etiquette. A general best practice is not to say anything on social media that you would not say to the person face to face.
Regarding social media and technology, our parent and student handbook states:
“Notre Dame Academy does not actively monitor student use of technology (internet blogs, social networking sites, chat rooms, etc.). While our filtering system establishes some parameters for appropriate use within our building, students and parents/guardians are primarily responsible for the appropriate and ethical use of technology, especially in the home.
Harassment is verbal or physical conduct that denigrates or shows hostility or aversion toward an individual or that of his/her relatives, friends or associates, and the … 3) use of technological resources and/or cyber bullying (i.e. text messages, digital pictures, social networking sites, e-mails, etc.).”
Finally, on May 7 at the Academy Ball, in addition to our regular security measures, the on-site police presence will be extended until the conclusion of the Post-Academy Ball celebration at 3 a.m.
Please take a moment this week to discuss safety measures and social media etiquette with your child. If you or your child finds anything at any time to be suspicious on social media or at school, please report it to a school official. No concern is too small.
In Christ and Notre Dame,
Kevin J. Shaw
President
Notre Dame Academy
