August 13, 2025

To: WECHS High School Parents

From: Jennifer M. Sorel

Subject: Important: Required Student Safety Video for 2025-2026 School Year

Dear Parent/Guardian,

     We hope you are enjoying a safe and restful summer. As part of our commitment to student safety and well-being, and in compliance with a new law, North Carolina General Statute 143B-1209.100, all public-school students in grades 6-12 will be shown safety awareness videos during the upcoming school year. These videos are required to be shown within the first five (5) days of the school year.

     These videos are designed to educate students on recognizing, avoiding, and reporting  unsafe situations, particularly focusing on “grooming activities.” The videos do not discuss abuse, neglect, human trafficking, and/or exploitation, which are all extremely serious issues outside the school context. Thus, we encourage all parents and guardians to review the videos in advance of the new school year. Doing so will give you a better understanding of what your child will be learning and help support conversations at home about personal safety. 

These video(s) can be accessed through the following link from the N.C. Center For Safer Schools:

            https://youtu.be/ZVEUdzk26MU?si=MA0X7uwqQDv_18zQ      

                  https://youtu.be/2ShIK0SFRoo?si=Tixu2LsavZI1NJH0

                  https://youtu.be/6zlHvTXXPpQ?si=2FjbeTQNBcMj2FnN

     Although the videos focus on examples in schools, the information applies to all aspects of our student’s life. We encourage you to discuss these issues openly with your student. Please note that per N.C. law, potential student abuse, neglect, and/or exploitation situations occurring outside of school are handled by DSS, while potential inappropriate conduct by school employees is handled by the school administration and law enforcement. All such allegations are thoroughly investigated.

      If you have any questions or concerns about your student viewing these videos, please contact Ms. Sorel at 336-838-6247 by Friday, August 15th, so that we may discuss your concerns and explore alternative options if needed.

     Please note that school board policy 4240/7312 provides clear guidance on how to report various forms of misconduct by adults with children in all settings, both in and out of school.

Thank you for your continued support in keeping our students informed and safe.

Sincerely,

Jennifer M. Sorel

Principal

Wilkes Early College High School