Tag: back to school

Back to school and digital safety: why parents should reconsider posting that first day picture

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Students with backpacks gathered beside a yellow school bus

With the school year approaching, parents and caregivers are focused on making sure the kids enjoy school, but also making sure they do so safely.  In the internet and social media age that we live in, our protective instincts have never been more challenged, so the last thing we want to do is increase the risk. In fact, there’s something a lot of parents do that could hurt their child both in the present and in the future.  The first-day-of-school picture has become a marker of time, a way to cherish the passing of time, as well as a child’s growth. 

“Because you are so proud of your child, and their growing and moving on to a milestone, as well,” said Alanna Powers-O’Brien of the Family Online Safety Institute. “There is always a chance a bad actor could use that information.”  According to Powers-O’Brien, the risk is mostly related to identity theft that could harm many things later on in life.  “Open a credit card or something like that, and then, before your child has even thought about applying for a credit card, or buying a car, they already have this credit history that they have to figure out how to erase,” she explained.  In order to avoid this, be selective in what you post publicly. She recommends not putting your child’s last name or the school they attend. She also cautioned against using the teacher’s name and to be aware that your address or street name is not visible in the picture you’re posting. 

“Whenever you’re posting something that has to do with your children, make your account private so that only people you know and who you follow can see that information,” Powers-O’Brien added.  She also said that you should consider just going old school and sending the pictures to a closed circle of relatives and friends rather than posting them on the internet.  Then, when your child gets older, be sure to have a conversation about online safety so they know the boundaries of what they can and cannot put on the internet. 

Source: Back to school and digital safety: why parents should reconsider posting that first day picture – CBS Pittsburgh

Every way of a man is right in his own eyes, But the LORD weighs the hearts.
Proverbs 21:2

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Stockton church hosts fundraiser to reopen local school

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People at tables with baked goods and charity auction in church hall

The City of Stockton has been working to revitalize Main Street. To help, a local church hosted a bazaar to raise funds that go directly into the community. “It’s a small community, but a really hardworking one,” Saint Gertrude Summer Festival organizer Monica Mercado said. This all happened Sunday in the courtyard of Saint Gertrude’s Catholic Church. Vendors and organizers had one goal in mind: raise enough money to do their part in revitalizing Main Street on the east side of the city. “I know a building that looks really nice for the community will always bring the community back,” Mercado continued.

“We’re just trying to throw a rock in there to try to say we could save our church and bring it back to how it used to be.” But that’s not all they’re doing. The weekend-long event was meant to build community, repair the church, and reopen a much-needed school. “They want to get the school going again,” Vendor Jose Lara explained. “We got to get the kitchen back up to be able to bring in the children and help them learn.” The school has been closed for more than two decades. With few options locally on the east side of town, they say the repairs are essential to this community and the next generation. “It’s very important because there’s not a lot to do around here and it’s good to have a place where they can come and they feel safe,” Lara shared. On top of raising money for a good cause, the church says it’s an event to bring the community back together. “We use it a lot and we want to keep up,” Vendor Rafael Murillo explained.

“This is a way of also being able to manage and acquire, not only that but just to give to the community so they can come and enjoy it too.” “When you’re doing something from the heart, you can’t mess up. You really can’t,” Mercado continued. Event organizers say they’ll need to raise nearly $200,000 to make the necessary repairs to their building and reopen the school.

Source: Stockton church hosts fundraiser to reopen local school – CBS Sacramento

Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.
Romans 15:13

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Metro Atlanta teacher spends her own money to prepare classroom for new school year

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painting and drawing tools set

While many families are beginning their back-to-school shopping, teachers are also filling carts with supplies for their classrooms often using money from their own paychecks. Gisselle Velez is preparing for her second year teaching third grade at Hopkins Elementary School. During a recent shopping trip in Chamblee, she picked up copy paper, glue sticks, hand sanitizer and Expo markers — items she says her classroom uses quickly. “I tend to save about $150 to $200 just to buy those school supplies because there are students that don’t have the money to buy school supplies,” Velez said.

“I want to make sure I have those resources for them.” Velez teaches at a Title I school and said many families are doing everything they can to prepare their children for the school year. She wants to make sure students who arrive without something they need do not feel unprepared. Her experience reflects a broader trend among educators. The National Education Association says about 94% of public school teachers spend their own money on classroom supplies, with many spending between $500 and $750 each year. Velez said her motivation is also personal. Growing up, her family sometimes struggled to afford school supplies. “I used to be in their position when I was growing up,” she said. “It was really hard to afford school supplies.”

Velez said she wants her classroom to be a safe and supportive place where students can focus on learning instead of worrying about what they do not have. At checkout, Walmart surprised Velez with a $200 gift card that covered the cost of her purchase. For Velez, the supplies represent more than items on a shopping list. They are one way she hopes to give students and their families peace of mind as the new school year begins.

Source: Metro Atlanta teacher spends her own money to prepare classroom for new school year – CBS Atlanta

For unto us a Child is born, Unto us a Son is given; And the government will be upon His shoulder. And His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
Isaiah 9:6

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