[Mjhsteam] Principal's Letter 11-24-09 Special Edition

[Kleinert, Dale]

11/24/09

 

Dear Parents, 

 

As we go into the long holiday, I need to make you aware of some online
Internet bullying and harassment that is taking place out of school.
Even though it is taking place out of school, it is beginning to disrupt
the school day, and we have had contact with some parents and police who
are investigating.

 

The issue seems to be happening on social networking websites such as
Facebook.  "Fake" WebPages are being set up for students who are being
victimized by other students who have set up the WebPages.  

 

We have also learned that "fake" websites have been set up using some
MJHS staff names.  There are enough students involved that it is not
productive for us to contact each parent by phone, but we do need parent
assistance to help get this stopped.   We recommend that you check your
son or daughter's online activity frequently.

 

One of the most effective ways to ensure that your son or daughter is
not communicating inappropriately while online is to use online
monitoring software.  There are many different online monitoring
software products such as "PC Pandora" that can monitor everything that
happens on your computer.  We are familiar with "PC Pandora" and know
that it is one of many effective tools and it is easy to download and
use. 

 

We strongly recommend that all parents take a pro-active role to protect
our children while they are online.  We will do everything we can here
at school, and have made sure that our filtering system is blocking all
access to social networking websites and other websites not appropriate
in the school setting.  In addition, students are monitored by adults at
all times while online at school.

 

The Internet is a tool that can be used very effectively and our
students are beginning to find out how they can use this electronic
tool.   By monitoring use, we will be able to teach them how to use the
Internet appropriately.  We appreciate your assistance and support.  

 

This problem is not isolated to our community.  Just as I was getting
ready to send this letter, Kevin Hill, Assistant Principal sent me an
article that really helps to focus what is happening on the Internet
with many young adults.  Check out the following link for more
information.

 

http://www.dallasnews.com/sharedcontent/dws/news/city/collin/frisco/stor
ies/DN-fronline_19met.ART.Central.Edition1.4b78ab3.html

 

Have a great Thanksgiving with family and friends!

 

Dale Kleinert, Principal

Moscow Junior High School

 

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