Internet Safety for Students

You know when you bump into somebody you haven't seen for awhile? Or perhaps you can relate to when last weekend you ran into an old friend who is somehow related to your cousin's uncle's brother in law from your last marriage?

Well.... maybe not. But you know the point I'm trying to get across here. It's a small small world out there.

Or is it?

While one could argue that it might perhaps be a small small world... when it comes to the online world the story becomes very different. When you log on to the internet you are immediately connected with millions and billions of people around the world. People you don't know, people you never will meet, but somehow can find out about you.... yes you. Where you live, what you do, who your friend are... even... what you ate for dinner. Yes, crazy at it is, it is all possible with the simple small click of a button.

Today, you will be able to delve into some safety tips on how you can peruse the internet without being caught blind sided by a stranger for not adhering to two simple tips.

Keep it smart!

You are young and have the world ahead of you. So don't take advantage of the fact and ruin the beginning of your professional career by posting inappropriate or unprofessional photos or information online. Yes, even on Facebook, myspace, or twitter. These social networking sites are a perfect opportunity for employers to get a sense of who you are, and it definitely is a strong vantage point to whether or not you get your dream job.

Limit your personal information!

"Hey girlfriends! Want to meet at the mall Friday night for some shopping?!?! I heard Victoria's Secret has a great sale on their strawberry daiquiri perfume!!"

Let's use this example as what not to do. Innocent and sweet, right? There are no addresses, phone numbers, maps... so what could be the issue?

Everything. Sorry to disappoint everyone who was planning on sending that mass invitation but this won't stop the neighborhood creep from meeting you there to see whats on sale too. This message basically gave out everything one would need to find you. Friend, stranger, or pool-boy, he's got where your going and it won't be hard to find you.

These two tips are just a starting point for your online life. Keep in mind technology is a tool and can be used or abused. Let's just all stay on the safe side. In the meantime, touch base with the following articles and video to get an inside scoop on more internet safety tips and stories.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?

v=nWq7SXaXj8ghttp://kidshealth.org/teen/safety/safebasics/internet_safety.html

http://www.isafe.org/channels/sub.php?ch=op&sub_id=media_tips

Letter of Introduction

Hello and welcome to Bishop Kelly senior English! My name is Stephanie Scheibe and I am a 2010 BK Alumni. I took my high school senior Intro to British Literature course from Andrea Symmonds who fed me the inspiration to which I continue to look to in my work as a teacher. The study of Literature allows students to gain a new perspective on history through the looking glass of those who lived in the specified time period. Rather than feeding the students the memorization of dates and time periods, the goal is to see literature and the writers who produced it as a puzzle. We study each peace carefully, but with the ultimate goal of putting all the pieces together, thus understanding each story and writer in the context of a whole and the impact they made to history, the present, future, and the students themselves.

As a teacher, I respect each student's valued opinion and I encourage input and questions at any time. If a student struggles I would like them to come see me immediately that way we can catch up with course material and prevent any further issues. Parents can contact me with questions or comments.

The best way to contact me is via cell phone at 208-125-6781 or email at stephanie@bk.org

Thank you so much and I look forward to a fantastic year full of reading and writing!