We do know this much--vaping is unhealthy for students, vaping devices are illegal for students to possess, and we will continue to monitor use and do our best to keep these devices out of the school.

How do we know e-cigarettes are harmful for young people? Most e-cigarettes contain nicotine. Nicotine is highly addictive and can harm adolescent brain development, which continues into the early to mid-20s. E-cigarettes can contain other harmful substances besides nicotine. Young people who use e-cigarettes may be more likely to smoke cigarettes in the future.

Parents and family members can help keep students safe by being aware of any sings of use, such as increased thirst, nosebleeds, "vaper's tongue," skin damage, sleep disturbances, emotional problems, and passing on caffeine.

And as if the health risks aren't enough to make students choose not to use vaping devices, there are school and law implications when they are found in possession of a device. Vapes are included in any Minnesota State High School League violations, and anyone caught on school property with a nicotine of marijuana vaping device will receive a citation from the Albert Lea Police Department which will result in a fine, court appearance, and/or community service.

Your Footprints tell a story:

Every time you our your child goes online to post a message, share a photo, or comment on a site, you are creating digital footprints that over time create a story about you. Future employers, college acceptance committees, and even banks use this information to make decisions that could impact your life. It is NEVER too early to take control of your Digital Footprint and to try and shape the story in your favor. Here are a couple of tips to get you started: 1) Take time to do an online search of yourself, see what information is already out there about you. 2) Check your Privacy settings for any social media sites or groups you belong to, the more private you can be, the better you can control your digital image. 3) THINK before you post that message or meme to a website or social media app. Ask yourself, Is it True? Is it Helpful ? Is it Inspirational? Is it Necessary? Is it Kind? If any of these answers are NO you may want to rethink it. 4) If you have made some mistakes in your digital footprint it might be in your best interest to contact sites you may have posted to and ask them to remove comments or posts you may have made in the past. If you are asked why you can state that you are better trying to manage your digital image. Your Digital Footprint WILL have a tremendous impact on your future life, remember the internet is a PUBLIC space, one where information is rarely if ever truly gone.

Mr. Egner can be reached at burke.egner@alschools.org

One tradition that has begun recently is to have the names of all seniors on the scrolling sign located near Hammer Field on the corner of Hammer and Bridge. Getting your name and plans post-graduation is very time sensitive. We must have your name submitted by noon on Friday, March 10. Students should watch school e-mail for a link to this short but important survey.

In case you aren't sure of the date, Commencement will be held on Friday, May 19.

Families can ask students about future classes once materials have been distributed. Transcripts were given to all students this week as part of a Flex lesson and can be a great conversation starter for future planning.

The performance will take place at the Minneapolis Convention Center at 2:15 p.m. on Thursday, February 16. This will be the first appearance of an Albert Lea ensemble since 2006 and it would be great to have a large group of proud community members there to support our school and choir. Tickets are not required for this event.

Ideas submitted: 6

• Winterfest Dance - Saturday, February 11
• Concert Choir Performance at MMEA - Thursday, February 16, 2:15 p.m.
• 2023-2024 Registration - February 13-17
• No School - Monday, February 20