May 30, 2020
Dear South River High School Families:
Over the course of the day, I have received a number of communications from our families, our school community,
students, and those with no connection to our school about some incredibly disturbing recent social media posts that may
have been made by South River High School students. The posts are, quite honestly, horrific. They reflect racist,
intolerant, and hate-filled ideals that have no place in our society, and certainly not at South River High School.
I want to assure you that we began an investigation immediately upon receiving this first report this morning. While our
school is not open, I want you to know that will not stop us from conducting a thorough and complete investigation. To
the extent that there are students involved and there is a connection to our school or school system of any act that violates
our Code of Student Conduct, I will impose swift and appropriate disciplinary consequences. To the extent that we need to
involve police, we will do so.
There is no question the emotions of the current time are impacting us all. Schools have not been in session in the
traditional sense for 11 weeks. The Governor’s stay-at-home order was just recently relaxed. Many businesses remain
closed, and economic pressures continue to mount. The senseless death of George Floyd in Minneapolis earlier this week
added more emotion to the mix.
We must unquestionably condemn acts like those brought to my attention today, but we must connect with the children
who perpetrate them and show them, by our example, the correct path. I urge you to help us do so. Please talk with your
child, and with all of our children. Please urge them to understand the events of the day through a lens of unity and convey
that to them in ways they can best understand.
Please also know that even though our building is closed, our school counselors and other members of our student
services team are available for students, especially if your child needs to share how he or she feels about this or any other
incident. Should your you or your child have that need, please email me at wtmyers@aacps.org or ask your child to ask
their teacher during any class session. Email links for all of our assistant principals and our school’s pupil personnel
worker can also be found at www.aacps.org/southriverhs. We will make sure someone contacts you.
Please also encourage your child to report any situation that makes him or her feel unsafe to the Safe Schools Maryland
Tip Line at 833-MD-B-SAFE (833-632-7233). That line can be accessed 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
We ARE South River, and we ARE better than this.
Sincerely,

William T. Myers
Principal
WTM/bm