Kent School District January 2022
Safety First
Social Media Threats and Online Safety
Over the last few months, we've received threats to our schools via social media posts. Making threats on social media is no laughing matter and can have serious consequences.

In 2018, the FBI launched a campaign called "Think Before You Post" to inform parents and students of the consequences that come with making hoax threats.

They have also provided tips on how to talk to your student about appropriate social media use:

  • Educate yourself about the websites, software, games, and apps that your child uses.
  • Check their social media and gaming profiles and posts. Have conversations about what is appropriate to say or share.
  • Explain to your kids that once images or comments are posted online they can be shared with anyone and never truly disappear.
  • Make sure your kids use privacy settings to restrict access to their online profiles.
  • Tell your children to be extremely wary when communicating with anyone online who they do not know in real life.
  • Encourage kids to choose appropriate screen names and to create strong passwords.
  • Make it a rule with your kids that they can't arrange to meet up with someone they met online without your knowledge and supervision.

More Resources to Consider:

COVID-19 Updates and Information
On January 7, 2022, the Washington State Department of Health (DOH) released new school guidance for K-12 schools. Make sure you are up to date regarding quarantine guidelines. Together, we can keep our students and staff in schools safely.
KSD is offering multiple different locations for COVID-19 testing. Learn more about how you can find a testing site near you and how to register to receive a COVID-19 test at one of our school locations.
School Closures and Delays Due to Inclement Weather

Last week we experienced inclement weather and icy road conditions that caused school closures and delays. We want to make sure parents and guardians are up to date about what these school closures or delays mean and how you can make sure you're fully prepared for incoming notifications.

Find Out How We'll Notify You in Case of School Closures or Delays.

Information will be shared through several different notification methods. Update your contact information in Skyward to ensure you receive updates.
Conflict Resolution
Learn how you can support your child's conflicts with peers through STEP.

STEP is a problem-solving technique that helps students acknowledge their conflict and help them build pathways to resolving it with their peers.

  1. Say the problem
  2. Think of solutions
  3. Explore consequences
  4. Pick the best solution

Practice Safe Walking
Please make sure you and your student are mindful while walking to school and always practice safe walking habits.

Keep these tips in mind when walking to schools:

  • Be aware of your surroundings and obey traffic signals and crossing guards.
  • Plan and practice a safe walking route. If possible, choose the most direct way with the fewest street crossings and intersections with traffic controls.
  • Wear reflective clothing and bright colors.
  • Walk with a friend or group of friends whenever possible.
  • Stay on the walking route avoiding shortcuts or unplanned stops.
  • Stop at the curb and look left, right, and left again before crossing.
  • When crossing, walk, do not run, and keep an eye out for turning vehicles.
  • Walk with a friend staying on the walking route approved by parents/guardians.
  • If there is no sidewalk, stay as far away from the roadway as possible.