Welcome to October at Loper!

It is beginning to feel like Christmas and I am sure you are all busy as we are here at Loper!

We have a lot going on at Loper this month! December is Internet Safety Month.

The internet has been described as the modern day wild, wild west. It can be full of excitement and adventure, but also danger and bandits. Every home where children have access to the internet needs a Sheriff! Otherwise we have children who are just a few keystrokes away from potentially harming themselves or others—if for no reason other than the Sheriff is asleep. Even though this issue does not directly affect children while they are at school, we at Loper want our students to be safe in the real world and the virtual world. We want parents to have information to help them deal with this issue. Even though it may seem early to introduce this information, since many of you may not allow your children access to the internet, we know that we must introduce and reinforce concepts over time in order to ensure children’s safety. Since a long break from school is coming soon and children may have more opportunities to computer access, it seemed to be a good time to discuss internet safety with students. Grades 2-5 will be viewing and discussing a video entitled *The Safe Side* in their classrooms. Mrs. Everhart, social worker, will be presenting the information and leading discussion. If you would like to preview this video we will be showing it on Monday December 8, 2008 11:15-12:15. This will be in between 2nd and 3rd grade lunches, so if you would like to combine this meeting with a lunch with your child, we welcome you to do so—just call the office if you are ordering lunch. We will also be sending home some tips for parents in the newsletter and they will be available on the Loper website. If anyone cannot attend the daytime viewing of the video and is interested in an evening meeting, please contact Mrs. Everhart at 398-9725, ext 1107.

Shoshanna Everhart, LCSW, MSW

I am the social worker at Loper. I have worked with children and families for over 25 years in many types of jobs. I love the work I do and hope to be able to get to know you during this school year. If you have a concern or a need related to your child you would like to discuss with me, you can email or call the office at 392-9725 x1107