Montgomery County Schools MEMO to Parents and Staff: Digital Safety and School and Home

Information and updates from the office of the Chief Technology Officer

FRIDAY, JANUARY 12, 2018

Digital Safety at School and at Home 

The MCCPTA Safe Technology Subcommittee would like to share the following recommendations for using technology at school and at home.

For Students at School:

• Consider placing Chromebooks/laptops on desks and tables rather than in laps;
• Don’t forget to shut down and log off of Chromebooks/laptops when moving from classroom to classroom;
• Consider turning off cell phones and keeping them in backpacks or lockers off when not in use;
• If necessary, take eye breaks, 1-to 2 minutes in length, approximately every 15 minutes;
• Attend to task! Avoid distractions such as reading email, playing games, or browsing the Internet;
• Engage in face-to-face socialization, especially at free time, lunch, and recess;
• Always use the Internet and devices for educational purposes in accordance with MCPS’s responsible use policies;
• Use resources that do not infringe on another’s copyright or trademark rights.

For Students at Home:

• “Disconnect” at least one hour before bedtime.  This includes all forms of media and requires online-based homework to be done well in advance of bedtime;
• Keep electronic devices out of bedrooms for a sounder sleep.

For Teachers:

• Encourage students, when appropriate, to customize their device screens using tools such as ScreenShader designed to reduce potential eye strain and fatigue
• Consider providing students with options for good behavior that include physical activity and social interaction rather than “device time”;
• When requested, provide paper alternatives for take-home class work.

Additional Resources:

• Maryland Children’s Environmental Health and Protection Advisory Council (CEHPAC):
• https://phpa.health.maryland.gov/OEHFP/EH/Shared%20Documents/CEHPAC/MD_CEHPAC_SchoolWiFi_022017_final.pdf
• New Jersey Education Association (NJEA):
• https://www.njea.org/minimize-health-risks-from-electronic-devices/ . 
• http://pediatrics.aappublications.org/content/140/Supplement_2/S81
• http://www.businessinsider.com/why-its-bad-to-use-your-phone-before-bed-2015-7
• http://pediatrics.aappublications.org/content/140/Supplement_2/S92

Congratulations MCPS! 

See resources this memo links to here as well. (

• New Jersey Education Association (NJEA) PDF for download to print! 
• https://ehtrust.org/wp-content/uploads/New-Jersey-Educators-Minimize-Health-Risks-From-Radiation.pdf
• Press Release: Maryland Children’s Environmental Health and Protection Advisory Council (CEHPAC) 
• http://www.sbwire.com/press-releases/first-state-in-the-nation-maryland-state-advisory-council-recommends-reducing-school-wireless-to-protect-children-777904.htm

“Protecting The Maryland Public From Harm By Wireless Technology” by Dr. Powell

“Protecting The Maryland Public From Harm By Wireless Technology”

January 13, 2018 Ronald M. Powell, Ph.D.

Ronald M. Powell, Ph.D. has released a document entitled “Protecting the Maryland Public from Harm by Wireless Technology.”  

Excerpts from the document include:

Protecting the Maryland Public From Harm by Wireless Technology Dr. Ronald Powell by Safe Tech For Schools on Scribd

 

“Radiofrequency radiation is harmful to health. 

Why so? The levels of manmade radiofrequency radiation in our environment, including right here in Maryland, are increasing. This increase is caused by the introduction of more and more wireless devices, without an understanding of the health consequences. These consequences can manifest differently in different individuals. Examples include sleep disruption; stress, anxiety, or irritability; headaches; ringing in the ears; concentration, memory, or learning problems; fatigue; loss of balance; eye problems; heart palpitations or arrhythmia; nerve pain; cancer; and many more. 

These problems arise because all living things are bioelectrical in nature, including human beings. That is why electroencephalograms and electrocardiograms work; they measure the tiny electrical voltages that operate the brain and the heart. Unfortunately, the radiofrequency radiation from wireless devices is strong enough to disrupt many natural biological processes. That disruption can cause, or exacerbate, a host of chronic illnesses, leading even to death.”

Dr. Ronald Powell’s qualifications:

“I am a retired U.S. Government scientist (Ph.D., Applied Physics, Harvard University, 1975). During my Government career, I worked for the Executive Office of the President, the National Science Foundation, and the National Institute of Standards and Technology. For those organizations, respectively, I addressed Federal research and development program evaluation, energy policy research, and measurement development in support of the electronics and electrical-equipment industries and the biomedical research community. I currently interact with other scientists and with physicians around the world on the impact of the environment – including the radiofrequency/microwave environment – on human health.”

This document is available for download at this EHT link. This document is on the Whatis5G.infowebsite, a website that details the myriad of ways that 5G will impact humans, humanity, wildlife and the earth. 

Message for Marylanders

You can find the email addresses for all current State Delegates and State Senators on this web site, by clicking on the “Legislators” tab at the top of the web page: http://mgaleg.maryland.gov/webmga/frm1st.aspx?tab=home

You can find out which candidates have so far signed up with the Maryland State Board of Elections by referring to the web site below.  Just click on your district number.

http://elections.state.md.us/elections/2018/primary_candidates/index.html

Maryland State Children’s Environmental Health And Protection Advisory Council Recommendations To Reduce Wi-Fi