TMS Taking on Social Messages in Two Events This Month

This month, Tolland Middle School will host two programs with serious social messages, presented in a unique format.
 
One presentation will be for students during the day, and parents during the evening. All parents are invited, no matter the age of their children. The presentations are also appropriate for high school students who are also invited.

A program on Rachel's Challenge is scheduled for Tuesday, Jan. 21, at 7 p.m. p.m. in the TMS Auditorium.

The program is centered around the writings and life of Rachel Scott, the first student to lose her life at Columbine High School in 1999. Rachel’s father, Darrell Scott, helped create the program around her journals, as her legacy. Rachel's Challenge is a series of student empowering programs and strategies that equip students and adults to combat bullying and allay feelings of isolation and despair by creating a culture of kindness and compassion. 

Rachel left a legacy of reaching out to those who were different, who were picked on by others, or who were new at her school. Rachel’s Challenge is to start a chain reaction of kindness.

A program in internet safety is slatted for Thursday, Jan 30, at 7 p.m. in the TMS Auditorium.

The program is run by Scott Driscoll, a law enforcement officer, educator and parent whose mission is “to help families learn about being safe while using the Internet and other technology."

He says, "The Internet can be a fun and educational place, but if not used properly or with safety in mind, it can lead to some very serious and dangerous situations. Through our presentations, interview, books and online information, we are committed to teaching everyone how to make smart choices while using the Internet and today’s technology.”

Topics are covered during the presentation include:

• Chat rooms

• Social networking

• Cyber bullying

• Online dangers that Strangers can present

• Texting Concerns

• Sexting

Students will receive age appropriate presentations during the school day.  The evening presentations for parents may be more intense. Parents of high school age students are welcome to bring their high schoolers.