Sumter County Schools Parents and Guardians:
We have become aware of a potentially dangerous TikTok trend that challenges students to force paper clips, push pins, metallic gum wrappers, and other items into the USB port on Chromebooks. This action can puncture the lithium-ion battery in the laptop and pose a serious fire risk that can damage school property or even your property as well. Of even greater concern, is there is an extreme danger to any students that attempt this action.
 
While Sumter County Schools does not use Chromebooks, it is possible to perform this dangerous action on any laptop. Students should NEVER do anything that can damage the internal circuity or battery of the laptop, as this can result in a fire and possible harm to the student. Please have a very serious talk to your children about these very real dangers and strongly discourage this behavior and ensure they understand the extreme dangers that this challenge poses.
 
Sumter County School students who are involved in this sort of challenge could face disciplinary actions, including expulsion and law enforcement getting involved. Parents will be held responsible for paying restitution for any and all damages. Thank you for working with us to keep our schools, our property and most of all our students safe.