Hawthornes Tech Pulse

Welcome to the November Edition of Hawthorne Tech Pulse!

Your go-to source for all things tech at Hawthorne Public Schools is back, brought to you by Teddy the Tech, our friendly tech department mascot! This month’s edition is packed with exciting updates, including introductions to our newest team member, essential cybersecurity tips for the holiday season, and more. Whether you're a staff member, student, or parent, we’re here to keep you informed and connected to the latest in school technology. Let’s embark on this digital journey together—one pulse at a time!

We’re thrilled to introduce Jacob Rodas as the newest member of our technology team at Hawthorne Public Schools! Jacob may be a familiar face to many, as he’s been a dedicated paraprofessional at Roosevelt Elementary School. Now, following his passion for technology, he’s making the exciting transition into a computer technician role, where he’ll be supporting staff and students at Lincoln Middle School, Roosevelt Elementary, and Jefferson Elementary.

Jacob brings a strong commitment to helping people and has a natural aptitude for technology, making him an ideal fit for his new position. His enthusiasm for tech, combined with his familiarity with our schools, will be a great asset to everyone he’ll be working with.

Outside of work, Jacob enjoys producing electronic music, with a focus on tech and EDM sounds—a creative hobby that reflects his inventive spirit. He resides in Fair Lawn, New Jersey, and is excited to be serving the district in this new role.

Please join us in welcoming Jacob Rodas to the tech team, and don’t hesitate to reach out if you see him around!

It's all too common today that when the holidays roll around, all of the grinches and humbugs come out of the woodworks to try and spoil our holiday fun. Holiday scams have been on the rise over the last few years, they try to capitalize on the busy nature of the season and our desire for good deals and values to blind us to their illicit intent. In order to stay vigilant in keeping your finances secure and out of the pockets of the scammers follow these tips to help guard yourself.

1. Shop from Reputable Retailers

• Stick to well-known and trusted websites. Check reviews and ratings if you’re unfamiliar with a retailer.

2. Be Wary of Unsolicited Offers

• Avoid clicking on links or responding to emails or messages that offer deals that seem too good to be true.

3. Verify Websites

• Look for "https://" in the URL and a padlock icon in the address bar. This indicates a secure connection.

4. Use Secure Payment Methods

• Opt for credit cards or secure payment platforms instead of debit cards. They offer better fraud protection.

5. Watch for Phishing Attempts

• Be cautious of emails that ask for personal information or direct you to websites requesting sensitive details.

6. Keep Software Updated

• Ensure your devices have the latest security updates and antivirus software to protect against malware.

7. Limit Sharing Personal Information

• Be cautious about how much personal information you share online, especially on social media.

8. Research Charities

• If you plan to donate, research the charity to ensure it’s legitimate. Use sites like Charity Navigator for guidance.

9. Use Strong Passwords

• Create complex passwords and change them regularly. Consider using a password manager for added security.

10. Monitor Bank and Credit Card Statements

• Regularly check your accounts for unauthorized transactions and report them immediately.

11. Trust Your Instincts

• If something feels off, whether it’s a deal, an email, or a phone call, take a step back and investigate further.

By following these tips, you can help protect yourself and your finances during the busy holiday season!

On Monday, October 28th, Lincoln Middle and High School students, along with their parents, attended an eye-opening presentation titled "Navigating the Digital World: The Impact of Social Media on Teenagers." This event, organized by Bonnie Aschenbrand through the Heroes and Cool Kids program, provided valuable guidance on safely navigating social media.

Presenters Chino and Rebecca Arboleda, a husband-and-wife team, shared practical advice and personal experiences from raising their own children in a digital world. They emphasized the importance of open communication and setting healthy boundaries within families to help teens make safer choices online.

They discussed both the positive and negative sides of social media, covering everything from creativity and connection to challenges like cyberbullying, privacy risks, and pressure to maintain a certain image. Screen time was also a key topic, as they talked with students about finding a healthy balance and how too much time online can affect their mental and physical well-being.

In an evening session for parents, Chino and Rebecca offered additional advice on monitoring social media use while maintaining trust, including tips on parental controls and age-appropriate guidelines.

Thanks to Heroes and Cool Kids, attendees left with strategies to make social media a safer, more positive experience for their families.

As the holidays approach, many of you are asking about the best tech deals, especially with Black Friday around the corner. Black Friday remains one of the best times to find amazing discounts on technology, and we’re pleased to share some exclusive opportunities available to our school community.

Through our partnership with Dell, Hawthorne Public School families have access to special discounts by visiting the Dell Memeber Purchase Program Store. We are also including an attachment with the latest flyer from Dell, detailing their current deals and pre-Black Friday offers, so you can explore even more ways to save.

For Apple fans, remember that educators and students are eligible for discounts on Apple products through the Apple Education Store. This is a great way to save on high-quality tech year-round.

Happy holiday shopping, and enjoy these exclusive tech deals!