MMS PTO to host Internet Safety Forum on Feb. 6

In response to the recent evolution of on-line gaming and the increased, independent use of the internet by teens and adolescents, the Memorial Middle School Parent Teacher Organization (MMS PTO) will host Officer Don Kimtis, Laconia Police Departments' DARE Officer, School Resource Officer, for a presentation on Internet Safety at its Wednesday, Feb. 6 meeting. Beginning at 6:45 p.m. in the school's cafeteria, Officer Kimtis will highlight the newest trends in internet use, predatory approaches and other issues related to online safety.

According to Jim McCollum, Memorial Middle School's Principal, "The internet plays an interesting role for kids today; it is both a learning tool and entertainment. We, as administrators, hope to educate our students regarding all the good the worldwide web has to offer as well as its many dangers, some of which are completely invisible to a young user. This generation of young people in our schools today will grow up to use the internet for most aspects of their lives "how to do it safely is what we hope to instill in our youth today."

The forum is open to the community including young adults (from grades 4 to 8), parents, grandparents, daycare providers and anyone else who has a young person and a computer in their lives. Baby sitting will be available (kindly contact Kim Weeks, MMS PTO Co-Chair at 524-2999 to make baby sitting reservations).