PCPS highlights internet safety measures, tips

POWHATAN – Powhatan County Public Schools (PCPS) turned its focus on internet safety again last week with a panel discussion held by staff members and the sheriff’s office.

The purpose of the hour-long panel held Jan. 19 was to discuss how PCPS and community partners are promoting internet safety and digital citizenship. A panel of five people responded to questions from the public regarding the school’s practices and precautions as well as offering tips on things parents can do to keep their youth safe.

The panel consisted of Amanda Henley, computer resource teacher at Powhatan Elementary; Jill Dewey, first grade teacher at Flat Rock Elementary; Jeff Durrett, director of technology for PCPS; Detective Sgt. Austin Schwartz, Powhatan County Sheriff’s Office; and Tom Sulzer, principal of Pocahontas Elementary.

The panel followed a Q&A format, touching on a wide variety of topics raised by the audience throughout the hour. The internet safety panel was streamed live and is available in its entirety on the school division’s Youtube channel.

Some of the topics the panel discussed included:

„ Parental controls available to PCPS families: Durrett highlighted a tool he first introduced to the community last fall. Powhatan Middle School successfully piloted a new internet filtering program called Blocksi last year. The product offers more comprehensive web filters and parental controls than the existing web filter. The program will be implemented divisionwide in the next school year but will have further pilots at Powhatan High School in February and the elementary schools in late spring.

Schwartz talked about devices parents can use at home that connect through the routers to allow them to monitor activity and screen time on devices. He mentioned paid services such as Circle and Bark and free parent controls offered by most internet service providers.

Dewey pointed out the benefit of using parental controls to put a phone to sleep for certain hours to limit screen time and the possibility of children using them into the night.

„ Identifying and blocking websites: Until the end of this

WEDNESDAY, JAN. 25

Lonesome d ove e q uestrian Center, which is located at 6137 Old Buckingham road, provides year-round therapeutic horseback riding exclusively for veterans with special needs and disabilities. Focusing on veterans in Central Virginia, the goal of this program is to improve the quality of life for the participants through activities that are positive to their cognitive, physical, emotional and social well-being. as of Jan. 1, 2021, the program is also welcoming first responders to come ride with the program. From January through March, volunteers are asked to arrive at 10 a.m. and the riding sessions begin at 11 a.m. upcoming dates are: Jan. 25; Feb. 7, 14 and 22; March 7, 14 and 22. From april through september, volunteers are asked to arrive at 9 a.m. and the riding sessions begin at 10 a.m. upcoming dates are: april 4, 18 and 26; May 2, 16 and 24; June 6, 20 and 28; July 11, 18 and 26; aug. 1, 15 and 23; sept. 12, 19 and 27. From October through november, volunteers are asked to arrive at 10 a.m. and the riding sessions begin at 11 a.m. upcoming dates are: Oct. 3, 17 and 25; nov. 7, 14 and 29.

There are no sessions in december. LdeC is able to provide a variety of services to the veterans because of dedicated volunteers. Those who would like to help and have fun at the same time are asked to consider becoming a member of one of these teams. For more information about Lonesome dove, visit http://ldequestrian. com/ or contact 804-356-6327.

Community Matters is a resource for all 55 and forward interested in learning, staying active and engaging with peers. Challenge and socialization are powerful benefits and crucial at any age! Multiple weekly sessions with a wide range of topics and activities are held at 10 a.m. Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays at the Pocahontas Landmark Center, 4290 anderson Hwy, in the training room of Powhatan Parks and recreation. upcoming programs are: Jan. 25, HumbleBee Project. This ongoing project is featured monthly. n o-sew anti-pill fleece blankets are created and tagged which offers opportunity to socialize while doing good for others. Completed blankets are taken to Children’s Hospital of richmond at VCu and given to pediatric inpatients adjusting to the demands of their medical care and treatments; Jan. 26, Game day; Jan. 31 – Learn digital Book options and app use from Powhatan Library staff. any technology-related class, you’re welcome to bring your own device, although that’s not required for learning. Information on various offerings, activities and topics presented can be found on Facebook: Powhatan County reach for active services. Program is free; requires independent participation. Call program coordinator Jayne Lloyd at 804-698-0438 for more information.

Powhatan County Public Library is open from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday, 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Fridays, and from