#Didyouknow that more than 6.5 BILLION snapchats are deleted every day in the United States? Did you also know that Snapchat is one of the most commonly used texting apps among students and young adults, but is it safe? Captain Scott Frank spoke to middle school and high school students about their digital footprint this morning in two separate assemblies. He shared eye opening information about how teens/young adults are establishing their online presence, what that image ultimately means, and how it translates to adulthood. He also shared haunting information about accessibility online. During the assembly, Captain Frank shared that prior to today's presentation, he created a fake profile, submitted friend requests to students from West Liberty-Salem, and 23 students accepted the request. Twenty-three students compromised their online safety by accepting a friend request from a fake profile, someone none of them know, managed by Captain Frank. And, while students were shocked to hear that their peers had accepted the request, it's happening more frequently than we understand. Captain Frank shared that more than 17.5 million sexual predators have access to both TikTok and Snapchat, and while we all do what we can to protect the privacy of our online presence, and not accept users we don't know, just how private is private?
Finally, Captain Frank touched on the idea that social media is a consumer driven business model. How are we spending our time on our platforms? Are we investing or are we wasting our time online? Students are averaging 50.5 hours per week, 216 hours per month, and 2,600 hours per year online. That's more than a full-time job! Students are subjecting themselves to screen addiction, continued exposure, bullying/threats, anxiety and self-image issues, and depression and suicide. But, as parents and educators, we have the power to encourage and empower safer, more meaningful use of the time young adults spend online.
Parents have the opportunity to hear Captain Frank speak this evening at West Liberty-Salem. RSVP is not necessary. Please join us in the cafetorium at 6:00 PM. You don't want to miss this event!
Our middle school student council members are collecting MS/HS recycling today! This is one of their weekly responsibilities as members. It's helpful to our teachers and teaches our students the impact and responsibility that comes with recycling.
Elementary students wrote letters to local Veterans who recently took the Honor Trip to Washington D.C. Students wrote appreciation letters, colored pictures, and designed cards that veterans opened while traveling by bus to their destination. Students were excited to express their gratitude for the men and women who have served our country and were even more excited to receive correspondence on behalf of the recipients. Thank you to all those who have served or are serving our great nation.
Congratulations to our October Seniors of the Month, Tommi Payne and Carter Titus!
West Liberty-Salem SENIOR OF THE MONTH QUESTIONNAIRE
NAME: Carter Titus
SCHOOL: West Liberty-Salem
PARENTS: Jill and Matthew Titus
School Activities and Awards:
Soccer, Band, Key Club, Link Crew, Spanish Club, NHS, Student Council, Science Olympiad, Illuminate Committee, Student United Way
If I were principal for a day:
I would hold a school wide community Service Day
Favorite school memory:
Participating in Student Sections at Sporting Events
People who have been an inspiration to me include:
My family, teachers, teammates and classmates.
Because: they help and inspire me to be and do my my best.
Lately, I have been reading:
I actually don’t read books unless I have to.
My advice to parents:
Be there for your kids.We aren’t always good at saying it, but we do notice and appreciate all of the help and support we get from you.
My biggest regret:
COVID causing me to miss out on experiences and trips.
Next year I will be:
Attending a college majoring in Education to become a High School History teacher.
NAME: Tommi Payne
SCHOOL: West Liberty-Salem
GUARDIANS: Lindsay & Shaun McCafferty
School Activities and Awards: I am not in any sports. Ive gotten 2 white tigers last school year. I help Ms. Alycia Smith in the multiple disability room. I absolutely love it. Those kids are absolutely amazing. I help with the students and they always put a smile on your face!
If I were principal for a day: I would decorate the school for every season.
Favorite school memory: my first day at school and meeting my best friends Makenzy Sandefur and Mia Elliott.
People who have been an inspiration to me include: My aunt Lynny and Uncle Shauny
Because: When I was at my lowest in life they were right by my side helping me get out of a hole that I never thought I would get out of. They remind me everyday that I do have a meaning in life and not to give up on myself. I’m so beyond grateful to have them in my life. I love them oh so much! Thank you guys for putting up with me❤️
Lately, I have been reading: nothing
My advice to parents: let your kids make their own decisions and let them learn from it.
My biggest regret: letting people walk all over me.
Next year I will be: Hopefully a paraprofessional at West Liberty Salem. I want to come back to these kids.
Twenty students from the Tiger Marching Band traveled to Heidelberg University this weekend for Heidelberg’s annual High School Marching Band Day! Band members practiced with the Heidelberg Marching Band and more than 100 other high school students before getting to perform during pre-game and halftime. West Liberty-Salem represented the largest number of high school band members in attendance offering Mr. Paul Waibel the opportunity to direct the National Anthem for the Banner. It was a great opportunity for our students who had a great day performing on a college field!
Every year our fourth graders are assigned a first-grade book buddy and assist them with reading skills all year long! First grade students read to their friends while forming connections with older students! Book buddy relationships aren’t always just business, though. Special celebrations have proven to be a great way to break the ice and make our younger buddies more comfortable with reading aloud. Last week they took advantage of the beautiful weather and read together outside! Our cross-grade activities are two-fold in their benefits providing routine use of mastered skills for older students, while creating fun opportunities for our younger students to practice. Pictured are students in Mrs. Spring and Miss Kale's classes.
Please save the date:
8th grade parents, we will host an informational meeting regarding the Spring 2024 Washington DC trip on Wednesday, October 18th at 6:30. The meeting will be held in the elementary cafeteria. There will be a representative from the tour company who will provide you with information on the trip. If you are unable to attend, we will have the information packets available in the office after the meeting.
IMPORTANT JOSTENS ANNOUNCEMENT:
Jostens will return during homerooms on October 11th, to take class ring/graduation orders, or you can order online at the links below. Orders placed on or before 10/11 will have discounts and additional gifts available. Final orders are due by 12/1, online.
FRESHMAN: The link below will provide information important to customizing and ordering your ring:
$40 DISCOUNT AND GIFTS EXPIRE ON WED OCT 11TH at 11:59pm:
https://eng7e.seismic.com/ls/7ed522a8-6ef6-433e-a669-a571dd80545b/73klky5qApjcyvfb
SENIORS: link to order -
https://eng7e.seismic.com/ls/7ed522a8-6ef6-433e-a669-a571dd80545b/Je0JJI5-MkSwYBFx
There are payment options available that are outlined in the information your student brought home last week. If you need more information, or your student did not bring home their informational pack, please contact the office.
Your Tiger athletics week at a glance!
Do you have concerns about your child's internet safety? Their social media presence? Mark your calendars for October 11th, and join us for an unforgettable evening with Scott Frank, Internet Safety Expert, as he walks us through current trends, online risks, and tips for empowering adults to help children make healthy and safe online choices.
RSVP's are no longer necessary as it is our hope that as many families as possible will take advantage of this very important opportunity.
If you are interested in learning more about Frank, follow the YouTube link https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D7cp5BIEuA4 or visit his website at www.digitalempowermentproject.com. We hope to see you there!
Hello families, this is Kraig Hissong, Superintendent, with an important announcement. Tomorrow, WL-S will have a practice fire drill that will involve using our egress windows. Tomorrow if you happen to be at the school, you may see students exiting out our emergency egress windows. This is part of our emergency safety plan with the State and you should have no reason for alarm.
Thank you,
Kraig Hissong
This week kicked of United Way's lunch buddy program at West Liberty-Salem. Third graders were paired with a buddy and they had so much fun getting to meet their new friend! The lunch buddy program happens monthly and will go through the end of the school year! Thank you United Way of Logan County and all of the volunteers for making this happen!
The elementary twirl camp was a huge success in its first year! They will perform tonight at halftime! Go Little Twirlers!
Important FFA news!!!
The WL-S FFA Fruit and Product Sale begins October 5th, and runs through Friday, November 3rd. Delivery is expected to be the week of December 4th. See your favorite FFA Member or email at thavens@wlstigers.org, and you will be sent the information and connected with a worthy salesperson! All funds raised directly benefit the WL-S FFA program and assist students with finances in FFA activities!
The WL-S FFA will be tailgating at the game on tonight! Stop by our tent for a free hotdog, chips and a cookie! All members current and former, all FFA families and supporters are welcome! GO TIGERS! BEAT BURG!!
Are you a farmer? Do you like food? The WL-S FFA Chapter wants to feed you on Thursday, October 12th. Please RSVP so we know who and how many! The students LOVE THIS INITIATIVE! Tell your FFA member or email thavens@wlstigers.org. #FeedTheFarmers
Tonight’s game will be video streamed on PeakofOhioTV.com and on both 98.3 WPKO’s & 107.3 The Drive’s Facebook pages. It will also be on Peak of Ohio’s YouTube channel (PeakofOhioTV). In addition, the game will be audio streamed on all of 106.9 The Bull’s streaming platforms.
Tomorrow night is our Pink Out game! We will host Mechanicsburg at home with a variety of events planned for the evening. Prior to the game, FFA will host a family tailgate and a pregame ceremony for our local cancer survivors will begin at 6:30 at the stadium. During the game expect a Pink Out showcase from our Little Tiger Cheerleaders during second quarter and Little Twirlers and Middle School band members for your half time show! Come out, wear pink, and support a huge night for the Tigers as we join Mechanicsburg in Painting West Liberty-Salem stadium pink in support of the Logan County Cancer Association, the fight for a cure, and support their continuous mission!
Pictured are Little Tiger Cheerleaders
Hello, this is Kraig Hissong, Superintendent, with a reminder that tomorrow, WLS will be on a two-hour delay for Professional Development. HS and MS will start at 9:40 and the Elementary will start at 9:45. Hi-Point, Mack, and Calvary students should follow the directions they have received. Last, breakfast will not be available on 2 hour delay days, please make sure your have breakfast before coming to school. Thank you
October is National School Safety Month when schools across the nation unite to promote the safety and mental well-being of students in their districts. Because of the collaborative efforts by school administrators in the National Association of Secondary School Principals, more resources and alliances are available more than ever. West Liberty-Salem High School principal Greg Johnson, co-facilitator of the NASSP's Principal Recovery Network, alongside colleague Greg Waples, recently contributed a blog post on safety at Friday night football games and after school events. The article linked below provides guidance and best practices that help keep students, families, and the community safe at publicly accessible events. Mr. Johnson emphasizes that parents and students play a vital role in maintaining safety at after-school events and that the common phrase, "see something, say something" is just as applicable for outside of school events as it is for school safety during the school day. Both Greg Johnson and Middle School Principal Andy McGill are founding members of the NASSP Principal Recovery Network.
https://www.nassp.org/2023/10/04/ensuring-safety-at-football-games-and-afterschool-events/?utm_medium=email&utm_source=rasa_io&utm_campaign=newsletter
Our Physical Education classes are practicing similar themes this week but using age and size appropriate methods! In middle school, Mr. Louden’s students are learning to play badminton, while in elementary, Mrs. Hollar is teaching the same concept of getting a ball over the net. She created “nets” that can be adjusted for student’s height and strength to learn the basics. They are all having fun!
Claudia is excited to receive her birthday book today! The WL-S PTO gifts a book to elementary students on their birthday. This is just one of the many, long standing traditions your PTO supports. Happy birthday, Claudia!
