Facebook and MySpace

I read an article yesterday on the CNN web page about a group on Facebook that worries me. This group encourages women to post pictures and videos of themselves when they are inebriated and, many times, in not-safe situations. When I viewed the group closer (yes, I have a Facebook account - I'm not that old), I came across pictures of high school students. For fear of seeing a picture of one of my students, I stopped viewing the page. But I can't stop thinking about what I saw.

Please consider the following:

1. The web is PUBLIC. IF you post to a public page (and most Facebook and MySpace groups are public), ANYONE can view the information. Before you post, please think: what would my parents think? my grandparents? my employer? my children? There are sites that archive everything on the Internet. Don't think that just because you erased something it can no longer be viewed.

2. Employers and Colleges are on Facebook and MySpace. They read your postings. Indeed, they can - and do - Google your name. I have read about students who are not getting into college because of their postings. It is not an urban legend. Refer to #1 - it is PUBLIC.

3. There are predators on Facebook and MySpace. We say this over and over again. Protect yourself. Do not give detailed personal information. Set your pages to private. Do not add friends just because they sent you a request.

4. Our student handbook (pages 39-43, 48, 81-83) outlines that cyber-bullying is punishable. We know that there are and have been groups that target other students. Again, refer to #1 - it is PUBLIC and ARCHIVED. If we see it, we are obligated to pursue it.

So you have/want a Facebook/MySpace page and want to make sure you are safe with the information you post.

1. Do NOT put identifying information in a public place. This includes your last name, address, phone number, IM, and/or email address.

2. Before you join a group or post anything, consider what someone who does not know you would think if they saw the information, particularly a college admissions counselor or an employer.

3. Read what people post on your wall/comment spaces/bulletins frequently. Remove offensive and/or questionable items. Ask the sender to stop posting them. If they don't, remove them from your list of friends. A lot is gleaned from looking at your associates.

4. Consider the pictures that you let people take of you. Would you want everyone on the planet to see it? If not, don't be in the picture.

5. Think before you hit "send" for a text message, IM, or email message. This information is easily posted by other people.

If you have any questions, don't be afraid to ask. I understand the draw to social networking sites, and enjoy them. There are safe ways to participate, and I can't help you make these decisions.

Welcome LEAF!

Perry is working with the Lake/Geauga Educational Assistance Foundation (LEAF) this year. LEAF is a private non-profit educational information/assistance organization. It is specifically designed to serve the planning preparation and financial needs of prospective college students who have demonstrated the aptitude and desire to succeed. LEAF works with every public high school in Lake and Geauga counties.

This assistance will be available as students plan programs of education beyond the high school experience in a range of settings from entrance into technical skill acquisition training programs to enrollment in college and university settings.

We are very excited to be working with LEAF. Our contact is Barb Meinen. Mrs. Meinen will be at PHS every Tuesday and is available for student and parent appointments. Students can sign up in the Guidance Office for an appointment during a free block or their lunch. She is located in the Main Office, in the office labeled, “College Consulting.” It is Mrs. Meinen’s goal to meet with every senior. Please encourage your students to visit with her, as she has a wealth of knowledge regarding financial aid and continuing education.

Please let your counselor know if you have any questions regarding LEAF, and help us welcome Mrs. Meinen!

Application Component: Secondary School Report

As seniors begin to process their college applications, they will notice that some schools require the completion of a Secondary School Report (or Guidance Counselor form). This report details the student's rank, GPA, difficulty of curriculum, and a recommendation letter from the counselor. The top of the form must be filled out by the student, including the signature, indicating whether a student "does" or "does not" waive their right to review the form and/or recommendation letter.

Several of the Ohio Public schools require the completion of a brief chart detailing your four-year curriculum. These schools are the University of Akron, University of Cincinnati, Cleveland State University, Kent State University, The Ohio State University, and Wright State University. Miami University requires the Common Application (www.commonapp.org) which requires the Secondary School Report.

If you are applying online, you may have to print out this form. YOU have to print it out; we are unable to do so. Also, YOU have to complete the top (student portion); we will not.

If you have any questions regarding the form, please do not hesitate to ask.

Health and Physical Education

We will be mailing home a letter to all students who still need to fulfill their Health and/or Physical Education requirement for graduation. The state of Ohio requires that all students complet 0.5 credits of Health and 0.5 credits of Physical Education to receive a diploma. You may complete the credits in several ways:

SENIORS (class of 2008)
Option 1: Lifetime Wellness AND Personal Fitness
Option 2: Sport waiver AND online health
Option 3: Strength and Fitness, Ultimate Lifetime Activity, OR Independent Study PE; AND online health
Option 4: PSEO physical education AND online health

FRESHMEN (2011), SOPHOMORES (2010) and JUNIORS (2009)
Option 1: Lifetime Wellness AND Personal Fitness
Option 2: Strength and Fitness, Ultimate Lifetime Activity, OR Independent Study PE; AND online health
Option 3: PSEO physical education AND online health
**THE SPORT WAIVER ENDS WITH THE CLASS OF 2008.**

Online health is offered at least once per semester and over the summer. The Independent Study (or 8th Hour) Physical Education is offered during the school year and in the summer. Students must register for online health and for Independent Study PE in the Guidance Office.

Please see your counselor with any questions.

Parent and Student Portal

Parents - Please do not forget that you have the ability to access your student's grade and attendance information at any time of the day. The information is in "real-time" - as soon as a teacher updates it, you will see the change. I have attached the information from the Perry web page for your reference. Please contact the Parent Portal staff with any questions at parentportal@perry-lake.k12.oh.us.

Students - you have your own login information and can access your records. Please see your counselor if you have forgotten your login and password.

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Infinite Campus Perry Parent Portal Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Infinite Campus Perry Parent Portal?

The Infinite Campus Perry Parent Portal is a parent-specific login to the new Infinite Campus student data warehouse. The Parent Portal presents information about students to authorized parents and guardians in real time with secure socket layer (SSL) encryption of the information that is being transmitted.

How do I access the new Parent Portal?

The new Infinite Campus Portal officially went onine on Monday, March 19th. Please click on the Infinite Campus globe (above), to access the site.

Will I need any special software to access the portal?

The following are the hardware and software requirements for accessing the Perry Parent Portal:
Internet Access: You will need a minumum dial-up modem speed of 56Kbs - A slower connection will work, but not as well.
Computer: MAC or PC with a processor speed of 500Mhz or better.
Web Browser: We recommend Firefox for MAC and Microsoft Internet Explorer 5.0 or better for PC
Adobe Reader: This is a free document reader that allows you to access reports available via the portal.
You may download this for free by accessing: http://www.adobe.com/products/acrobat/readstep2.html

I did not receive a letter in the mail with a Username and Password to login to the portal. What should I do?

Please visit the Perry Board of Education office at 4325 Manchester Avenue, or email parentportal@perry-lake.k12.oh.us. Please give us your full name, address, telephone number and the best time to reach you.

How often is information posted to the new portal?

The system updates all information in real time. Attendance information requires 24 to 48 hours to verify and update.

Can I access this portal from Home and from Work?

Yes. As long as the minimum computer and Internet access requirements are met.

College Application process stress

I have heard from many seniors that they are experiencing a high level of stress regarding filing their college applications. I agree - I am stressed as well, because it is an important process. There are some things we can do to make it less stressful.

1. Do not procrastinate. Putting things off will only make it worse. Look at your calendar and determine all of your deadlines now so that you do not "freak out" in a few months when they near.

2. Break down your requirements into smaller pieces. While you have that calendar in front of you, break down all of your requirements into small chunks and plan for mini-deadlines. As you complete each small section, you will feel better about the end goal.

3. Ask for recommendations now. Do not wait until 2 weeks before your application deadline. This way teachers have some notice and can turn in the letters earlier. And you don't have to worry if they have completed their part of the process.

4. Tell your counselor where you plan to apply. We can keep track of the schools and know when to ask you for information, applications, etc. It is a good idea to give us our paperwork (counselor recommendation, form, or secondary school form) now so we know what to expect in advance.

5. Involve your parents. Tell them your plans. Ask them for help when needed. If you feel they are pressuring you too much, tell them this. This is a great time for you to demonstrate responsibility and learn to do things for yourself. When you are away at college, you will not have anyone to help you or be your advocate. Learn how to do this now while you can ask for help.

6. Take care of yourself. Do not stop exercising, spending time with friends, etc. You may have to manage your time differently, but it is important to maintain your needs to stay healthy - physically and mentally.

7. Try not to buy into the hype. You will see and hear information on TV, MySpace, Facebook, etc. about the application process. Before you jump to conclusions, evaluate the source. Do not let someone else's perspective on the application process stress you out. There is an entire industry that has become very profitable because of the hype. Do not let it impact you. Yes, this is easier said than done. If you need help, do not be afraid to ask your counselor.

If you would like more information, there is a wonderful organization called the Education Conservancy. They are non-profit and are working to support students and families during the already stressful time. They work to help you (and me) and keep the focus within reason. Check them out at http://www.educationconservancy.org .

world of blogging

I attended a workshop this morning called, "Inside Generation Online." I learned quite a bit, but will focus on the two highlights:

1. I am part of generation online (I'm not as old as you thought, huh?)
2. I am not communicating with you (students, parents, etc.) as well as I can

I decided to begin a blog that you can check to update what is happening in the Perry High School Guidance Office.

Please be sure to check out the Guidance web site at www.perry-lake.k12.oh.us/high/classrooms/guidance/index.php. My student aide is currently updating the site, so it will have a new face very soon!