Chromebook Safety Warning

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Dear Central Islip Families,

We are writing to alert you to a troubling trend that has recently emerged on social media platforms such as TikTok. This so-called “challenge” encourages students to insert objects like pencil tips, paperclips, or pushpins into the ports of their Chromebooks. While these trends may appear entertaining or harmless to some, they pose serious safety risks.

Inserting metal or foreign objects into electronic devices can result in electrical shock, fire hazards, or permanent hardware damage. These actions not only endanger the safety of the student but can also compromise the device and disrupt learning. Significant damage may require costly repairs or a complete device replacement.

We ask that you speak with your child about the dangers (and financial responsibility) of participating in such challenges and the importance of treating school property with care and respect. Please help us reinforce the following key points:

• Social media challenges that involve destructive or unsafe behavior should never be attempted.
• School-issued Chromebooks are intended strictly for educational use.
• Tampering with or damaging electronic devices can lead to both safety issues and disciplinary action.
• The Central Islip School District will enforce the student code of conduct in these cases, which includes disciplinary consequences and financial penalties for intentional damage to school property.
• Any student who willfully damages a district-issued Chromebook will be held financially responsible for its replacement, and a new device will not be provided until that financial obligation has been satisfied.

We appreciate your support in helping us protect our students and maintain a safe and effective learning environment. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact your child’s school principal directly.

Respectfully;
Philip K. Voigt
Director of Music Education and Technology