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CAMPS SCHOOLS AN ANTON MEDIA GROUP SPECIAL
OCTOBER 26 NOVEMBER 1, 2016
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BY JOSEPH CATRONE
editorial@antonmediagroup.com
In this age of information and technology, it’s now easier than ever to communicate with others. Social media and texting give people the ability to share thoughts, feelings and conversations with an entire network of friends around the world. But inevitably, the convenience of reaching dozens, or potentially hundreds, of people also comes with a set of consequences. “None of social media is meant to be harmful,” said Katie Schumacher, the founder of Don’t Press Send, an organization that works to help kids practice safe texting and social media usage. “But it needs to be used with good intent, because it can cause problems.” Schumacher has shared some tips for kids and their parents as to what to be careful of when texting or using social media and how to communicate safely and responsibly.
T.H.I.N.K.
Schumacher uses the acronym T.H.I.N.K. as a blueprint for what is appropriate for kids to post or send. “Ask yourself these questions before sending anything,” she said. “Is what I’m sending thoughtful, helpful, inspiring, necessary or kind? If it isn’t one or more of those things, don’t send it. Think before you click.” Schumacher also stresses the importance of empathy, particularly when posting something online. “The screen is emotionally disconnecting us,” she said. “We disregard the feelings of others, but we do it in public where everyone can see it. It’s important to think about how you would feel if you received that same message.”
Privacy and Permanence
Another thing that Schumacher
Think Before You Click
stresses is the importance of valuing what little privacy still exists and realizing that getting rid of a post or a text is near impossible. “There’s really no such thing as a private site,” Schumacher said. “And even with texting, a one-on-one text could become a group chat very easily. Texts can be forwarded to others. And it’s easier than ever to screenshot a text or a social media post, so it will never truly go away. So we have to value our privacy. Everyone has a soapbox now and things are getting skewed over what we should post, but not everything has to be shared.”
Don’t Talk to Strangers
While kids often feel a desire to add to their network of friends in any way possible, Schumacher points out that this can be dangerous. “Never converse with anyone you don’t know, under any circumstance,” she said. “Take Xbox Live. My kids can connect with their cousins who they wouldn’t normally meet, which is great. But there are also predators, so we have
to make sure our kids aren’t playing games and chatting with people they don’t know. Even with the volume down, a kid can get caught up in the heat of the game and turn the volume back up. Then if they reveal personal information, people would hear it.”
Perspective Matters
“Sometimes a post can give a kid a false sense of who they should be,” said Schumacher. “If you’re having a bad day and you see a picture of someone on their best day, it hurts. You’re only seeing the highlights on social media. It’s not real life and we need to remember that.” Schumacher also warns against conversation that may be interpreted one way in person and a different way online. “Posting removes context. You don’t get a sense of body language and tone. There are certain things that may be okay to say when you’re hanging out with friends, but they could mean something else when posted. It could be offensive to others. My advice when
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texting or messaging someone privately would be to go out of your way to clarify your tone. Be extra articulate and clear. Say you mean it with love if you mean it with love.”
Remove Negative Energy
Despite her reservations, Schumacher acknowledges that social media is here to stay, but notes that it can be used in a positive manner that’s fun for all. “Obviously social media isn’t going away, so we have to avoid negativity,” she said. “If you like a post that says something negative, it encourages the poster to continue behaving that way and makes you look like you approve it.” As to how social media can spread positivity, Schumacher has her own ideas. “I like to have social media challenge days,” she said. “You can post an inspirational quote, you can compliment someone or publicly apologize to someone you’ve hurt. Everyone gets to do one nice thing on social media that day.”
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CAMPS & SCHOOLS • OCTOBER 26 - NOVEMBER 1, 2016
Is Your Child Getting Enough Physical Activity at School? BY ROBERT SILVERMAN
specialsections@antonmediagroup.com
Only one-fourth of kids and teens are getting enough physical activity, according to a recent study. And physical activity is not just a necessity for a healthy body; it can contribute to a healthy mind. The “2016 Shape of the Nation” report by Voices for Healthy Kids found that while Physical Education (PE) and other programming in schools could address this gap, few states have policies in place requiring schools to offer effective PE programs to all students. Additionally, competing funding and educational priorities are making effective PE programs less common. Other studies have found that active students focus and think better. That means higher test scores, better grades and more engaged learning across the board. But the benefits don’t end there. Experts say that PE addresses the needs of the whole child. “Effective physical education programs positively impact kids’ physical, mental and emotional
health,” said Dr. Stephen Daniels, Department of Pediatrics at the University of Colorado School of Medicine. “Beyond reducing obesity risk, adequate physical activity during the day improves judgment, reduces stress, and can increase self-esteem.” In an effort to get PE back in the schools, the experts at Voices for Healthy Kids, an initiative of the American Heart Association and the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, are encouraging parents to take PE seriously with the following tips: • Ask your school how much time kids spend in physical education class. Is it adequate? Elementary students should get at least 30 minutes a day. You can be a parent advocate in making PE and other opportunities for activity a priority in your school. Get other parents involved, too. • Talk to your kids about what activities they participate in at PE. Is it a diverse range of activities? Activities should include a wide range of skill-building and moderate-to-vigorous physical activity. • Supplement physical activity at school with an active lifestyle. What
activities can you do as a family? Play sports with kids on weekends, take walks and bike rides, and encourage kids to put down the screens and be active at least 60 minutes each day. • Learn more about the benefits of PE and consider getting involved by joining the Voices for Healthy Kids PE Action Team and by following the conversation on social media at #ProtectPE. More information and
resources can be found at www. voicesforhealthykids.org/PE. Child health advocates say that at a time when more than a third of children and adolescents are overweight or obese, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, PE needs to be made a priority in schools nationwide. —Robert Silverman is the editor-in-chief at StatePoint.
270 Duck Pond Road, Locust Valley, NY www.fa.org | www.facebook.com/friendsacademyNY
Friends Academy Open House
Fall Open Houses
Middle/Upper School Tuesday, Nov. 8 at 8:30 am Lower School Thursday, Nov. 10 at 8:30 am th
th
Call 516-393-4244 to RSVP | A Quaker coeducational college preparatory school for students age 3 through 12th grade Friends Academy admits students of any race, color, national and ethnic origin to all rights, privileges, programs and activities available to students at the school. Friends does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, national or ethnic origin in the administration of its educational policies, admissions policies, financial assistance program, athletic and other school-administered programs.
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13 CAMPS & SCHOOLS • OCTOBER 26 - NOVEMBER 1, 2016
Sewanhaka’s Cosmetology Students Give Back
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Sewanhaka Central High School District’s cosmetology students took part in a major cleanup of the Career and Technology Education common area, as part of their efforts to promote National Breast Cancer Awareness Month. The students posted signs with facts regarding breast cancer statistics and decorated with pink ribbons to remind all students about the widespread disease here on Long Island. They also participated in the Jones Beach Making Strides Against Breast Cancer Walk on Oct. 6, raising $1,232 for the American Cancer Society.
Above, students cleaned up the CTE common area in honor of National Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Left, students and other SkillsUSA members participated in the Making Strides Walk at Jones Beach.
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(Courtesy of Sewanhaka Central High School District)
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CAMPS & SCHOOLS • OCTOBER 26 - NOVEMBER 1, 2016
Student Internships In Government The New York State Department of Civil Service today announced that more than 400 internship opportunities are available throughout New York State government across a wide array of State agencies—both upstate and downstate. More than 1,500 students have participated in the Student Intern Program since its launch in 2012. The Student Intern Program is one component of Governor Cuomo’s New New York Leaders Initiative, which is focused on drawing new and highly-skilled individuals to the State workforce through both a fellowship and internship program. Through this program, undergraduate and graduate students are exposed to the work of governing, while gaining valuable hands-on program experience and interaction with government leaders and policy-makers. “Governor Cuomo is committed to ensuring that the state workforce is diverse, talented and prepared to meet tomorrow’s challenges,” said Lola W. Brabham, acting commissioner of the New York State Department of Civil Service. “Through these public service internships, we will continue to shape the next generation of leaders by providing them with valuable skills and marketable work experience that will assist them as they begin new careers.”
The Student Intern Program Internship Portal is hosted by the New York State Department of Civil Service and allows applicants to view job descriptions, create profiles, specify occupational interests, and upload resumes, writing samples, and letters of recommendation. Students can apply for multiple internships at the same time. The program is open to graduate and undergraduate students at colleges and universities
throughout New York State, as well as New York State residents enrolled elsewhere. Opportunities include paid and unpaid positions and internships may provide academic credit depending on the policy of the intern’s educational institution. Three internship sessions are offered each year:
BOCES Alum Stars In ‘Chicago Fire’
This Is Our Quest: To Help Children Become Strong In Mind, Body & Spirit. Let’s do it together! The “New” Holy Child Academy
Dolan Early Childhood Center
Connelly Lower School
O’Sullivan Middle School
Accepting students in each division
Sunday, November 6th at 11:30AM - 2PM
Please call Corrie Bowen at (516) 626-9300, Ext. 150 with any questions, or to schedule an individual tour.
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• The “New”* Holy Child Academy - Long Island’s only private Catholic school, Toddler – 8th grade • A just completed $7,000,000 renovation • Students come from the towns of Brookville, Carle Place, East Williston, Garden City, Glen Cove, Hicksville, Huntington, Manhasset, Port Washington, Syosset, and many, many more! • HCA is a school for children of all faiths * Please see our website for an explanation
25 Store Hill Road, Old Westbury, NY 11568 516-626-9300 | www. HolyChildAcademy.org
spring, summer and fall. The Department of Civil Service is hosting the Student Intern Program Internship Portal through which interested students must: • Submit an application, which includes providing contact information; academic background; occupational, employment and geographic preferences; and activity involvement. • Upload a resume. Uploading of a two to three-page writing sample illustrating your writing and analytical skills and a letter of recommendation are optional. • Identify preferred internships. The Spring 2017 application period began on Oct. 2 and runs through Friday, Dec. 23, 2016. If you have any questions or would like more information on the New New York Leaders: Student Intern Program, contact the student intern program staff at nysinternships@cs.ny. gov or at 518-473 -9945. Visit www.nysinternships.cs.ny.gov/ nnyl/intern.cfm to learn more and apply.
Joshua DeJesus, who graduated from Nassau BOCES Long Island High School for the Arts this past June, is currently enjoying a successful, freshman college year. In addition to studying acting with the Conservatory of Theater Arts, Purchase College at the State University of New York, DeJesus has already landed major roles in theater and on television. This summer, DeJesus joined the off-Broadway ensemble cast of the classic urban musical Runaways. According to The New York Times, the production was “a pulsing reincarnation testifying to the atomic power of adolescent angst. Every other number feels like a rousing finale,” reviewer Ben Brantley observed. “But how are you going to keep a lid on a cast with this much natural talent and vigor?” At the end of this month, DeJesus will star in an episode of the hit NBC drama Chicago Fire. He will portray Chris Brady, a troubled teen who has been abandoned and forced to live in a sewer, and comes
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Joshua DeJesus to befriend firefighter Stella Kidd (series regular Miranda Rae Mayo). The episode aired on Oct. 25. DeJesus credits Nassau BOCES for giving him the ability to achieve such stellar success so early in his career. “LIHSA provided the perfect foundation,” he said. “Being in a place I loved where I could go and practice my craft every day was invaluable. The faculty gave me exactly what I needed to be successful. There was a lot of oneon-one work. I’m grateful for every teacher I had at LIHSA.”