January 28, 2015

The Board
Of Education
Of Worcester
County
6270 Worcester Highway
Newark, Md 21841-9746
Telephone: (410) 632-5000
Fax: (410) 632-0364

www.worcesterk12.com

ADMINISTRATION
JERRY WILSON, Ph.D.
Superintendent of Schools
JOHN R. QUINN, Ed.D.
Chief Academic Officer
LOUIS H. TAYLOR
Chief Operating Officer
VINCENT E. TOLBERT, C.P.A.
Chief Financial Officer

BOARD MEMBERS
ROBERT A. ROTHERMEL, JR.
President

Dear Parents and Guardians,

Disputes happen in society. The keys to conflict resolution are to resolve issues constructively
and with respect for others. In schools, the same principles are true.
When conflicts arise, and they will, we encourage our students to seek help from an adult. If a
conflict seems to be escalating, students are encouraged to speak with a teacher, staff member,
school counselor, or administrator. Keeping lines of communication open, where trust is earned
and shared, is essential to sustaining a positive school environment.
Any actions or behaviors that risk the safety of others such as fighting will not be tolerated.
Similarly, any language or images that are hateful toward others will not be tolerated. Our
schools must have positive, respectful climates where everyone feels welcome, respected, and
safe.
Social media can complicate conflicts. Schools, parents, and the community must work together
to help our young people understand the negative impacts associated with misusing social
media. Misuse of social media such as posting a fight or making derogatory statements about
others is not just a family problem or a school problem; it is a community problem. We must all
share in the solution. Together, we can help our young people learn what appropriate social
media etiquette is and what it is not.
One reality that social media shows us is the role of the bystander: The person watching an
altercation; the person filming the fight; the person clicking like for a hurtful social media
posting; or the person who remains silent. Please work with us at home, in school, and within
our community to help our youth know that we all are responsible for our actions, including
the bystander. Getting help and reporting improper social media postings are the responsibility
of each and every Worcester County citizen.
We will be having ongoing dialogues about where responsibility rests for safe environments: It
rests with each of us. Before anyone can learn, they must feel safe and respected. Please help us
in sharing this message.
In partnership,

SARA D. THOMPSON
Vice-President
BARRY Q. BRITTINGHAM, SR.
JONATHAN C. COOK
ERIC W. CROPPER, SR.

Jerry Wilson, Ph.D.

Superintendent of Schools

J. DOUGLAS DRYDEN
WILLIAM L. GORDY

Thomas D. Zimmer
Principal of Stephen Decatur High School

Excellence in Education In Worcester County, People Make the Difference

Serving the Youth of Worcester County Since 1868