Dear Wissahickon Families & Staff Members:

Unfortunately, in the past few days, some students in our district and across the nation have received hateful and targeted text messages containing disturbing content related to slavery and other hateful rhetoric. We are saddened to hear that these messages are being sent to our youth, causing distress and concern among our students, families, and staff.

First, please know that we take this matter very seriously. Hate speech and bullying of any form have no place in our district, and we are committed to fostering a safe, inclusive environment for all students. To help us address this issue effectively, we encourage families to discuss the situation with their children and reach out to your school counselor if your child receives a hateful or inappropriate message. Our schools have counselors, administrators, and other trusted adults who are prepared to support students experiencing anxiety or distress. Whether through individual conversations, group support, or connecting families with external resources, we’re here to help.
Please also be sure to check out the resources available on our website.

Wiss Well-being Resources

As a community, we must work together to counteract hateful rhetoric and ensure our children understand the values of respect, empathy, and inclusivity that are core to our district. Thank you for your continued partnership as we work to ensure a safe, respectful, and supportive learning environment for every student.

Warm regards,

James A. Crisfield, Ed.D.
Superintendent