Ellwood City Area School District Police Department

We would like to congratulate the class of 2020 and wish all of you the best in your endeavors.

The School District will have an Act 80 Day on Monday March 16, 2020. No school for students.

What Is Cyberbullying

Cyberbullying is bullying that takes place over digital devices like cell phones, computers, and tablets. Cyberbullying can occur through SMS, Text, and apps, or online in social media, forums, or gaming where people can view, participate in, or share content. Cyberbullying includes sending, posting, or sharing negative, harmful, false, or mean content about someone else. It can include sharing personal or private information about someone else causing embarrassment or humiliation. Some cyberbullying crosses the line into unlawful or criminal behavior.

The most common places where cyberbullying occurs are:
Social Media, such as Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat, and Twitter
SMS (Short Message Service) also known as Text Message sent through devices
Instant Message (via devices, email provider services, apps, and social media messaging features)
Email

Special Concerns
With the prevalence of social media and digital forums, comments, photos, posts, and content shared by individuals can often be viewed by strangers as well as acquaintances. The content an individual shares online – both their personal content as well as any negative, mean, or hurtful content – creates a kind of permanent public record of their views, activities, and behavior. This public record can be thought of as an online reputation, which may be accessible to schools, employers, colleges, clubs, and others who may be researching an individual now or in the future. Cyberbullying can harm the online reputations of everyone involved – not just the person being bullied, but those doing the bullying or participating in it. Cyberbullying has unique concerns in that it can be:
Persistent – Digital devices offer an ability to immediately and continuously communicate 24 hours a day, so it can be difficult for children experiencing cyberbullying to find relief.
Permanent – Most information communicated electronically is permanent and public, if not reported and removed. A negative online reputation, including for those who bully, can impact college admissions, employment, and other areas of life.
Hard to Notice – Because teachers and parents may not overhear or see cyberbullying taking place, it is harder to recognize.

Cyberbullying Tactics

It is important to understand how children are cyberbullied so it can be easily recognized and action can be taken. Some of the most common cyberbullying tactics include:
Posting comments or rumors about someone online that are mean, hurtful, or embarrassing.
Threatening to hurt someone or telling them to kill themselves.
Posting a mean or hurtful picture or video.
Pretending to be someone else online in order to solicit or post personal or false information about someone else.
Posting mean or hateful names, comments, or content about any race, religion, ethnicity, or other personal characteristics online.
Creating a mean or hurtful webpage about someone.
Doxing, an abbreviated form of the word documents, is a form of online harassment used to exact revenge and to threaten and destroy the privacy of individuals by making their personal information public, including addresses, social security, credit card and phone numbers, links to social media accounts, and other private data.

Viral Tactics: Examples
Because cyberbullying can happen in different ways, examples based on real-life experiences can provide a deeper understanding of the tactics typically used. Along with other risk factors, bullying can increase the risk for su***de-related behaviors. Furthermore, cyberbullying can be relentless, increasing the likelihood of anxiety and depression. Some states have chosen to prosecute young people who bully for criminal harassment, including encouraging someone to die by su***de. Some forms of cyberbullying are forms of harassment that cross the line into criminal activity, and some tactics occur in dating relationships and can turn into interpersonal violence.
The stories below are examples of different cyberbullying tactics that could happen. In reality, with the right interventions, cyberbullying can be addressed positively to lessen harm and the negative outcomes that could result. When not addressed, cyberbullying can have long-term mental health effects. Cyberbullying and bullying can negatively impact the lives of all who are involved.

N**e photo sharing
A teenage girl sent a n**e photo of herself to her boyfriend while they were dating. After they broke up, he shared the photo with other children, who then called her hurtful, derogatory names via text and social media.

Lies and false accusations
A group of students got into trouble at school for being drunk, and accused a girl who knew nothing about it of reporting them to school officials. They began texting her day and night, and posted hateful, derogatory messages on social media. Other students saw their messages and joined in harassing the girl. She was bullied constantly via text, and in person at school. She eventually shut down her social media accounts and changed her phone number. Still, the bullying at school continued.

Bullied for being economically challenged
Students posted mean, negative comments on another classmates’ social media account, commenting on his clothes and sneakers, which were not the more expensive name brands most of them were wearing. They ridiculed him, calling him “poor” and continued the bullying in school. The boy missed many days of school trying to avoid the harassment and embarrassment.

False identity profile, sometimes referred to as a “Sockpuppet”
A girl’s classmate created a fake social media account in a boy’s name, and began an online relationship with her. Though she had not met him in person, the girl divulged personal information about herself and her family to this “boy.” The classmate who created the fake account then shared the personal information with other children, who used it to bully, shame, and harass the girl.

Encouraging self-harm or su***de
A young boy with a physical disability and scars on his face was harassed on social media and via text by other students. They called him derogatory names, told him he’d be better off dead. They wrote “why don’t you die?” on his school locker and encouraged him to take his own life.

Bullied for being gay
A teenage boy who was openly gay began receiving death threats via phone, text, and social media for being gay. Students created an anti-gay social media group and harassed him, posting hateful messages about him.

Jealousy bullying
A teenage girl was harassed by other girls in her class for dating a very popular boy. The girls sent her hateful messages via text and social media, and wrote derogatory messages on her school locker.

Doxing Over Online Gaming
A teenage boy posted comments on a public gaming forum, expressing his dislike of certain game features and tactics. Another user disagreed with him in the forum, then searched for the boy’s information online and posted his address, email address, and social media links in another comment. The boy then received multiple emails and messages from strangers threatening to come to his home and assault him, and to block him from games.

Prevent Cyberbullying

Be Aware of What Your Kids are Doing Online
A child may be involved in cyberbullying in several ways. A child can be bullied, bully others, or witness bullying. Parents, teachers, and other adults may not be aware of all the digital media and apps that a child is using. The more digital platforms that a child uses, the more opportunities there are for being exposed to potential cyberbullying.
Warning Signs a Child is Being Cyberbullied or is Cyberbullying Others
Many of the warning signs that cyberbullying is occurring happen around a child’s use of their device. Some of the warning signs that a child may be involved in cyberbullying are:
Noticeable increases or decreases in device use, including texting.
A child exhibits emotional responses (laughter, anger, upset) to what is happening on their device.
A child hides their screen or device when others are near, and avoids discussion about what they are doing on their device.
Social media accounts are shut down or new ones appear.
A child starts to avoid social situations, even those that were enjoyed in the past.
A child becomes withdrawn or depressed, or loses interest in people and activities.

What to Do When Cyberbullying Happens
If you notice warning signs that a child may be involved in cyberbullying, take steps to investigate that child’s digital behavior. Cyberbullying is a form of bullying, and adults should take the same approach to address it: support the child being bullied, address the bullying behavior of a participant, and show children that cyberbullying is taken seriously. Because cyberbullying happens online, responding to it requires different approaches. If you think that a child is involved in cyberbullying, there are several things you can do:
Notice – Recognize if there has been a change in mood or behavior and explore what the cause might be. Try to determine if these changes happen around a child’s use of their digital devices.
Talk – Ask questions to learn what is happening, how it started, and who is involved.
Document – Keep a record of what is happening and where. Take screenshots of harmful posts or content if possible. Most laws and policies note that bullying is a repeated behavior, so records help to document it.
Report – Most social media platforms and schools have clear policies and reporting processes. If a classmate is cyberbullying, report it the school. You can also contact app or social media platforms to report offensive content and have it removed. If a child has received physical threats, or if a potential crime or illegal behavior is occurring, report it to the police.
Support – Peers, mentors, and trusted adults can sometimes intervene publicly to positively influence a situation where negative or hurtful content posts about a child. Public Intervention can include posting positive comments about the person targeted with bullying to try to shift the conversation in a positive direction. It can also help to reach out to the child who is bullying and the target of the bullying to express your concern. If possible, try to determine if more professional support is needed for those involved, such as speaking with a guidance counselor or mental health professional.

We would like to welcome Officer Matt Smock to the Ellwood City Area School District Police Department. Matt brings experience to the department as he served as patrolman,sergeant,and Chief of Police.

What Is Va**ng?
Va**ng is the inhaling of a v***r created by an electronic cigarette (e-cigarette) or other va**ng device.

E-ci******es are battery-powered smoking devices. They have cartridges filled with a liquid that usually contains ni****ne, flavorings, and chemicals. The liquid is heated into a v***r, which the person inhales. That's why using e-ci******es is called "va**ng."

What Are the Health Effects of Va**ng?
Va**ng hasn't been around long enough for us to know how it affects the body over time. But health experts are reporting serious lung damage in people who v**e, including some deaths.

Va**ng puts ni****ne into the body. Ni****ne is highly addictive and can:

slow brain development in teens and affect memory, concentration, learning, self-control, attention, and mood
increase the risk of other types of addiction later in life
E-ci******es also:

irritate the lungs
may cause serious lung damage and even death
can lead to smoking ci******es and other forms of to***co use
Some people use e-ci******es to v**e ma*****na, THC oil, and other dangerous chemicals. Besides irritating the lungs, these drugs also affect how someone thinks, acts, and feels.

How Do E-Cigarettes Work?
There are different kinds of e-ci******es. But many people use the Juul. This e-cigarette looks like a flash drive and can be charged in a laptop's USB port. It makes less smoke than other e-ci******es, so some teens use them to v**e at home and in school. The Juul pod's ni****ne levels are the same as in a full pack of ci******es.

Do I Have to V**e Every Day to Get Addicted?
Even if you don't v**e every day, you can still get addicted. How quickly someone gets addicted varies. Some people get addicted even if they don't v**e every day.

What About E-ci******es That Don't Have Ni****ne?
Most e-ci******es do have ni****ne. Even those that don't do have chemicals in them. These chemicals can irritate and damage the lungs. The long-term effects of e-ci******es that don't have ni****ne are not known.

Why Should I Quit?
Wanting to be the best, healthiest version of yourself is an important reason to quit va**ng. Others include:

Unknown health effects: The long-term health consequences of va**ng are not known. Recent studies report serious lung damage in people who v**e, and even some deaths.

Addiction: Addiction in the growing brain may set up pathways for later addiction to other substances.

Brain risks: Ni****ne affects your brain development. This can make it harder to learn and concentrate. Some of the brain changes are permanent and can affect your mood and ability to control your impulses as an adult.

Use of other to***co products: Studies show that va**ng makes it more likely that someone will try other to***co products, like regular ci******es, ci**rs, hookahs, and smokeless to***co.

Toxins (poisons): The v***r made from e-ci******es is not made of water. The v***r contains harmful chemicals and very fine particles that are inhaled into the lungs and exhaled into the environment.

Sports: You want to do your best in sports, and va**ng may lead to lung inflammation (irritation).

Money: Va**ng is expensive! The cost of the cartridges over time starts to add up. Instead, you could spend that money on other things you need or enjoy.

To go against to***co company advertising: Many e-ci******es are made by the same companies that produce regular ci******es. Their marketing targets young people by making fun flavors for e-ci******es and showing young, healthy people va**ng. They're trying to make you into their new, lifetime customer.

How Can I Quit?
Decide why you want to quit and write it down or put it in your phone. Look at the reason(s) when you feel the urge to v**e.
Pick a day to stop va**ng. Put it on the calendar and tell supportive friends and family that you're quitting on that day.
Get rid of all va**ng supplies.
Download tools (such as apps and texting programs) to your phone that can help with cravings and give encouragement while you try to stop va**ng.
Understand withdrawal. Ni****ne addiction leads to very strong cravings for ni****ne. It can also lead to:
headaches
feeling tired, cranky, angry, or depressed
trouble concentrating
trouble sleeping
hunger
restlessness
The signs of withdrawal are strongest in the first few days after stopping. They get better over the following days and weeks.

Get ready for feelings, people, and places that make you want to v**e. These are called triggers. If possible, avoid places and people that trigger the urge to v**e. If you feel the urge to v**e, try these things instead:

Chew sugar-free gum or drink water.
Text, call, or hang out with a friend who will support you.
Listen to your favorite playlist.
Go for a walk or jog.
Try yoga or meditation.
Take 10 deep breaths.
Keep your hands busy with a hobby, like drawing or making jewelry.
Go somewhere where smoking/va**ng isn't allowed.
What Else Can I Do?
Now that you understand the risks of va**ng, take control of your health. If you're having a hard time quitting, talk to your health care provider about local programs and websites that can help you quit va**ng.

If you v**e, know that it may cause serious lung damage, and even death. Call your doctor right away if you v**e and have:

coughing, shortness of breath, or chest pain
nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea
tiredness, fever, or weight loss
Reviewed by: Lonna P. Gordon, MD

Happy Thanksgiving and have a safe and wonderful holiday break.

Ellwood City School Police Department Receives Rural King Donation

TOPICS:Ellwood City Area School DistrictEllwood City Area School District Police DepartmentRural King

POSTED BY: TRACEY FERGUSON NOVEMBER 19, 2019
Ellwood City Area School District Police Department received an $800 donation from the Rural King in Monaca.

“A special thanks to store manager Art Barnett and his district manager Larry Cagliuso who were instrumental in working with the Ellwood City School Police Force to obtain a sizeable donation that will impact the safety and security of all students and staff in the school district,” said John Sovich, Ellwood School Safety/Security Coordinator.

Because of the donation, the school will be able to obtain multiple, electronic, heavy duty safes that will be used to store protective gear and any evidence collected across the schools.

“Thanks to Rural King for reaching out to our community and being supportive of our efforts to keep our schools safe,” Sovich said.

Below are a few tips for staying smart in the cold.
Check the weather. ...
Beware of ice. ...
Wear multiple layers of loose-fitting clothing. ...
Stay hydrated. ...
Protect your head and extremities.

https://www.safe2saypa.org/

Home - Safe2Say Something

he Ellwood City Area School District employs two full-time School Police Officers starting in the 2019-2020 school year. They are school district employees and are responsible for providing for the safety and protection of all students in our school district.
Our School Police Department helps to keep our schools safe by coordinating and enforcing school security and law enforcement issues. Additionally, the School Police Officers help to educate students throughout the year on a variety of age appropriate topics, such as underage drinking, safe driving education, va**ng, and substance abuse.
The Ellwood City Area School District is being as proactive as possible by hiring highly qualified candidates to fill these positions. Each officer comes to us with over 25 years of experience in the law enforcement field. They also have training in first aid and emergency medical response. You will notice that Ellwood City Police Officers are present in all ECASD schools, working with students to build positive relationships and helping to identify and stem problems before they can escalate. School Police Officers help to keep the lines of communication open between students, families, administration, and law enforcement.
School Police Officers also assist the District with refining and enhancing its safety procedures. They are integral to planning safety drills that impact both students and faculty.