Engage49

• In 2023, more than 340 million people were victimized by cyberattacks of one form or another. These days, we spend more time than ever on the internet, and our children are doing the same. All this internet time increases the likelihood that you or a member of your household will deal with cybersecurity threats or fall victim to cybercrime, and kids can be even more at risk. Approximately 82% of K-12 institutions were targeted for cyberattacks in the last two years.

Cybersecurity is the practice of protecting computers, networks, and information from digital threats such as hacking, scams, malware, and data theft. In a school and family context, it means keeping students, their devices, and their personal information safe while they learn online. You can think of cybersecurity like locking the doors and windows of your digital home. It includes:

• Protecting devices (Chromebooks, tablets, phones)

• Securing accounts (usernames, passwords)

• Keeping networks safe (school and home Wi-Fi)

• Teaching safe behavior online

• Ask your child to show you the sites they use at school — this builds healthy conversation.

• Talk about never sharing personal information online — name, age, school, location

• Check that your home Wi-Fi has a password — open networks are risky.

• School devices should be used for learning, not gaming or downloads.

• Avoid using school devices on public Wi-Fi (coffee shops, airports, hotels).

• Remind students not to sign into personal accounts (like personal Gmail) on school Chromebooks.

Join us on Tuesday, January 27th at 6pm at Sand Creek High School for a panel of experts on Cybersecurity, with dinner provided at 5:30pm. RSVP required for childcare and dinner.

RSVP HERE: https://forms.gle/oCTWtpLiimFzFjWt6 by 1/26 at 3pm for dinner and/or childcare.

This event is not your typical Parent Academy. We welcome all family and community members to guide the discussion with our panel of D49 and local experts. The panel will occur from 6-7pm with a networking opportunity for additional questions and resources from 7-8pm.

We are eager to hear your voice and to understand how we can better support you in facilitating your child's learning journey at home. Your input is invaluable in shaping decisions regarding your child's education and we are committed to ensuring your questions and suggestions are addressed. Thank you for your continued partnership and involvement in your child's education!

We are Engage49 - D49's Family, School, Community Partnership (FSCP) Collaborative. Our mission is to serve and support D49 families directly by connecting you with valuable information and useful resources throughout the school year. Our common goal is to see D49 students flourish, and we believe creating positive relationships with parents is crucial to building strong foundations and launching students to success in our exceptional schools. The Board of Education has prioritized advocacy in their strategic objectives for the 24-25 school year and as Engage49, we are dedicated to building your capacity and advocacy opportunities in your educational community.