GRADE-HACKING ARRESTS: Palos Verdes High School principal's letter to parents

Palos Verdes High School Principal Nick Stephany sent this email to parents today following the arrests of three students who allegedly broke into classrooms, hacked into computers, changed grades and stole tests.

Dear Parents and Students,

 

As some of you may have heard, over the last few weeks, we have uncovered several students involved in severe academic dishonesty.  So far, we have evidence of students stealing teachers' tests, gaining access into teachers' grade books as well as the sale of this information to other students.  I want to keep the PVHS community up to date with the developments of this ongoing investigation.

 

First, we have been working with detectives from the Palos Verdes Estates Police Department.  Criminal charges will be filed against any and all students engaged in criminal activity.  Computers and cell phones have been confiscated by the police and their contents will be very telling.

 

Second, two students implicated in this activity have already been recommended for expulsion.  One of these students was a transfer from Peninsula High School.  They are suspended from PVHS until the PVPUSD Board of Education decides if they are expelled from the district.  This should happen in the next month.  In addition, other students have been suspended for receiving stolen tests and information.

 

Third, we continue to find new information in this investigation.  It is ongoing.  For this reason, it is important not to jump to conclusions as to how wide spread this may have been.  As we find new information, we will keep staff and students up to date with pertinent developments.

 

This is a very time intensive and sensitive issue.  It is my goal to first, gather all of the facts and second, work with PVPUSD and the PVEPD to not only provide severe consequences to those involved, but also to ensure the safety and security for our physical school campus as well as our technology network.  We will continue to update the community as developments occur.

 

If any students or adults have evidence of cheating or academic dishonesty, please contact me via email as soon as possible.  Please remember information must be credible and not just hearsay.  We must be able to PROVE any allegations made.

 

Thank you,

 

Nick Stephany, Ed.D