We had a wonderful few days with author Vanessa Van Petten. I wanted to share a few notes from her discussions with both parents and students . Vanessa is a vibrant, bright 24 year old who was a triple major at Emory University, is writing her third book and has one of the most successful parenting websites online. She also has a tween/teen website that uses 82 teen intern writers, all over the country. She is sponsored by some of the biggest corporations and has been a speaker for CNN, a mediator on “Housewives of Orange County” and most recently appeared on “The Doctors.”
Vanessa spoke with parents on Tuesday night and the fourth through eighth grade students on Wednesday. As I am sure you are aware, about 95% of these students are online, and from fifth through eighth grade a majority is using a social network site like Facebook. Please continue to monitor your children on line- not only for safety in terms of predators but for content, personal information and photos that are posted.
Today, during 7th period, the 8th grade Science elective class was treated to a visit by the Palm Beach County Sheriff Office helicopter. The title of the class is: Why Things Work the Way They Do.
The class has just begun a nine week web quest on the invention of helicopters and their importance. During this class, they will not only learn about helicopters but in the end construct working models of them. Mr. Parker was very informative regarding his role with the helicopter and what is done for the PBSO.
February 25, 2010
