DeCroce, Cablevision Visit, Honor Parsippany Students

Source: Parisppany Patch -

Assemblywoman Betty Lou DeCroce and Cablevision Power to Learn recognized students at All Saints Academy for their participation in Power to Learn’s Internet Smarts program on Dec. 3.

The program provides students with curriculum and tools designed to teach safe and appropriate Internet use, according to a press release.

“Interacting with others via social media is the norm for young people today and regrettably cyberbullying has become all too common, with many young people not fully understanding the repercussions from such behavior,” said DeCroce. “In this regard, it’s important that we provide students with the latest information regarding responsible Internet use. I applaud Cablevision for its Internet Smarts program that does just that.”

Principal Judith Berg gave welcoming remarks and Cablevision emcee Lou Brogno discussed the Internet Smarts program and introduced Assemblywoman DeCroce who spoke to students about the dangers of cyberbullying.

“One of the goals of Power to Learn is to provide schools like All Saints Academy with cutting-edge technology and interactive educational programs that engage young minds,” said Cablevision Vice President of Public Affairs Jennifer Ostrager. “We are committed to partnering with teachers, students and parents to ensure that, though Internet Smarts, students can navigate and use the Internet and digital technology safely and appropriately.”

Technology Teacher Joel Castillo discussed the students’ use of Internet Smarts and introduced the presenting 6th grade students who presented the topic of cyberbullying through two skits. They prepared the skits using Power to Learn’s online curriculum.

Assemblywoman DeCroce wrapped up the event with a Q&A with students and signed a large “Internet Smarts” certificate for the school; student presenters also signed a large “Internet Smarts” pledge.

According to the release, Power to Learn, Cablevision’s nationally recognized education initiative, is dedicated to integrating technology into education. Through its “Triple Play for Education” technology offer, Cablevision provides its full suite of Optimum video, high-speed Internet and digital voice-over-cable services to schools for educational use. These services are available free of charge to K-12 schools across the company’s service area in New York, New Jersey, Connecticut. In addition to providing the technology, Power to Learn also provides innovative educational curricula and tools designed to make technology useful to teachers, students and parents. More information and content is available at www.powertolearn.com.

DeCroce Visits School to Speak and Learn About Cyberbullying

Source: Assembly Republican Press Release -

Assemblywoman BettyLou DeCroce returned to school on Tuesday to listen and learn about the issue of cyberbullying. DeCroce visited the All Saints Academy in Parsippany to speak with sixth graders about the Power to Learn program which is an education initiative sponsored by Cablevision. The program provides advice and information to parents, teachers and students about the dangers of cyberbullying.

“I was impressed with the students’ knowledge and I know everyone who participated came away with a better understanding of this potentially dangerous and harmful issue,” explained DeCroce. “The Power to Learn program is a comprehensive and common sense approach on avoiding and dealing with cyber-harassment. This kind of intimidation extends beyond the classroom and making students aware of the ways to deal with cyberbullying is a positive step that benefits everyone.“In today’s society, the level of sophistication on using the internet and mass media communications does not require a college degree,” said DeCroce, R-Morris, Essex and Passaic. “In order to protect students from the dangers of cyberbullying, we need to reach them at an early age. Listening is an important part of learning, and that is exactly what everyone discovered.

“The most important component of dealing with this problem is communication,” explained DeCroce. “Students need to know how important it is to tell their parents or speak to a teacher when they are confronted with this kind of bullying. They are not alone and help is available.”

Part of the Power to Learn program includes tips for students and parents on dealing with cyberbullying, such as:
•Don’t share your login and password – even with friends.
•Think before you post. You can’t control what others do with your information.
•Be careful about loaning your cell phone or laptop to friends.
•Don’t respond to cyberbullying – report it to an adult.
•Keep the evidence of texts and emails as a record.
•Signs that a child is a victim of cyberbullying are: changes in mood, sleep habits and being less social with friends.
•Block the person who is sending the unwanted messages.