Bobcat Bulletin
March 25, 2024
Be Binkley Stepping Stones!
Buddies Reading
Pepperwood Field Trip
YouthTruth & Read-A-Thon Results
Thank you for taking your time to complete the YouthTruth survey. We had over 80% participation by families which makes our data strong. Here is the reflection of the information. This, along with student and staff results will determine our goals for the 2024-2025 school year. I will be sharing our students results from the YouthTruth survey with them (grades 3-6th) at an upcoming assembly; and then will send home to you in a future bulletin. If you are not part of one of the share out groups, and would like to share further your thoughts on my question - you can always email me (click my name below) or send me a ParentSquare message.
Thank you for the tremendous Read-A-Thon support. Our students read for 153,275 minutes! We had donations from over 14 different states, and raised a total of 8,625.00! WOW! So impressive. We will announce winners in all categorizes at next Monday's assembly; you are welcome to join. Assembly is at 8:35. Also, since raised over our 8,000 goal, we will use our new Splash Tower on me. Will students drop slime, glitter, or something else on my head?!
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BE Safe. BE Responsible. BE Respectful.
BE YOUR BINKLEY BEST!
Warmly,
Harmony Harvell, Principal
RVUSD Tech Tips
Teaching Kids to Protect Their Data and Privacy Online
When kids start to use tech or go online, it's important to teach them the basics of online safety and privacy. Whether they're using educational apps or social media, a lot of their information is collected by companies. Help your children be mindful of their digital lives by sharing some guidelines on how to protect their personal data.
Here are a few things to look for when you and your kid create profiles for devices, apps, games, social media platforms, and internet-enabled toys:
Create strong usernames and passwords. To keep your account secure, never include personal details in your account name or password. Consider your digital footprint and select appropriate, inoffensive usernames.
Use strict privacy settings. Whenever you can, opt out of sharing your location and data. Here's how you can up a secure account.
Be careful with personal info. Encourage your kids to ask you for help when filling out online forms. If they create profiles on devices at home or in school, make sure they know what data to keep private. This can include identifiable information like phone numbers, birthdays, addresses, and Social Security numbers, depending on the situation and its requirements.
Look for a safe URL. Does the URL (also known as the link) begin with "https"? The "s" at the end means the website is secure. Make sure that "s" is there both before and after your kid signs in.
Do a password check. Pretend your kid has forgotten their password and try to recover it online. Does the site display the password or email it? If so, the password is not securely protected. Sites that send a link asking you to create a brand-new password are safer.
Check sharing settings. If kids are sending messages or creating content online, you could change the privacy settings so their posts are only shared with trusted people.
Skip anything that's not required. If you can create your account without giving away certain personal information, don't offer it up.
Be careful with downloads and other links. Spyware, malware, and other harmful software can be embedded in what seem like regular downloads. Consider using antivirus software and apps to keep your devices safe.
What Can I Do If My Kid's Device or Account Has Been Hacked?
As soon as kids create an online account, their data is at riskāand it's only as secure as the service that's protecting it. That's no reason to panic, since all tech platforms can be vulnerable to attack. You can help your children protect themselves by discussing online safety and privacy.
If you suspect that your child's device or account has been hacked, here are some steps you can take:
Change your password and sign out of all devices. Create a new, strong password and log out of devices that are linked to the account. For example, your child's YouTube login may be saved on multiple devices. That way, you can make sure the hacker can't get back into your account.
Check linked accounts. Many of us have multiple apps synced, like our social media accounts being synced with our emails. Make sure to unlink those accounts while you secure your profile.
Remove your banking information. If you have a bank account saved on the platform that was hacked, delete the information. Contact your bank to make sure there is no suspicious activity on your account. Change your login for the bank account, too.
Update your passwords on other sites and platforms. This way, you can prevent the hacker from accessing additional information. Consider using a password manager to store your passwords.
Check your account recovery information. Go to the settings for that platform or devices and make sure the recovery email address and phone number are the ones you entered.
Turn on two-factor authentication. If this option is available, be sure to use it to help make your account more secure. This requires you to use two different accounts to sign into a platform or device.
Review your account activity. Check your account to see posts or messages the hacker may have shared, or profiles they may have followed online.
Of course, prevention is always better than cleaning up after a hack. Use these tips to talk with your kid about protecting their data and privacy online.
Save the Date!
Walk & Roll - Wednesday, April 3rd
Booster Events
Spring Fling Family Dance - April 5, 5:30-7:30pm
Join us to kick off Spring with a family dance! We'll have a DJ, Kona Ice, taco stand (bring cash!), photo booth, a raffle prize, and lots of fun! Entry is free, photo booth photos are $3 for 1 or $5 for 2.
Color Run - May 16, 4:30-6:30pm
It's the most colorful time of the year--Color Run! The event starts at 4:30, with the Color Run from 5 to 5:30pm, silent auction from 5:30 to 6:15pm, and Dino's Greek Food Truck, Taco Stand, and Kona Ice all night long! Make sure your kids are wearing clothes that can get stained--or buy one of our special Color Run shirts!
Going to a Giants Game? Buy tickets using this QR Code, and our school gets $5
Community Events & Resources
Binkley Elementary Charter School
Email: hharvell@rvusd.org
Website: https://www.rvusd.org/o/binkley
Location: 4965 Canyon Dr, Santa Rosa, CA 95409
Phone: 707-539-6060
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BinkleyRV/