INFORMATIONAL MESSAGE

5/30/2022

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For additional information, contact:  Lorie Pearce, Executive Assistant to the Superintendent and Board of Education – (435) 615-0225 or communications@pcschools.us

Park City — “See something, Say something” is a key component of maintaining safety and security throughout our schools and our community.

Earlier on Monday afternoon, when students saw what appeared to be concerning and suspicious social media posts of a fellow student with an air gun in an image along with a filter/image of a bloody face, individuals reported and forwarded those images to the local Park City Police Department for investigation.

Students and adults who saw the post took the correct course of action in forwarding the concern directly to law enforcement.  Park City Police as well as Summit County Sheriff Department launched an immediate investigation, located the minor and parent, verified that the image was of an air soft “look-alike” weapon versus an actual firearm, and successfully concluded the investigation with the full cooperation of those involved. 

When any citizen sees or hears something of concern, a direct report to the SafeUT app or local law enforcement is the preferred course of action.  It is also important NOT to repost concerning images other than to the authorities. 

Additionally, security and police personnel will be present on Park City School District campuses throughout this final week of the 21/22 school year.  Student and staff safety and security is and remains a key priority. 

MENSAJE INFORMATIVO 

30/05/2022

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Para obtener información adicional, comuníquese con: Lorie Pearce, Asistente Ejecutiva del Superintendente y la Junta de Educación – (435) 615-0225 o communications@pcschools.us

Park City — “Ver Algo, Decir Algo” es un componente clave para mantener la seguridad en todas nuestras escuelas y nuestra comunidad.

Más temprano el lunes por la tarde, cuando los estudiantes vieron lo que parecían ser publicaciones preocupantes y sospechosas en las redes sociales de un compañero de estudios con una pistola de aire en una imagen junto con un filtro/imagen de una cara ensangrentada, las personas informaron y enviaron esas imágenes al Park local. Departamento de Policía de la ciudad para la investigación.

Los estudiantes y adultos que vieron la publicación tomaron el curso de acción correcto al enviar la inquietud directamente a la policía. La policía de Park City, así como el Departamento del Sheriff del condado de Summit, iniciaron una investigación inmediata, ubicaron al menor y al padre, verificaron que la imagen era de un arma de aire comprimido “parecida” a un arma de fuego real y concluyeron con éxito la investigación con la cooperación total. de los involucrados. 

Cuando cualquier ciudadano ve o escucha algo preocupante, el curso de acción preferido es un informe directo a la aplicación SafeUT o a la policía local. También es importante NO volver a publicar imágenes que no sean para las autoridades. 

Además, el personal de seguridad y policía estará presente en los campus del Distrito Escolar de Park City durante esta última semana del año escolar 21/22. La seguridad de los estudiantes y el personal es y sigue siendo una prioridad clave. 

Park City Fentanyl Warning

NEWS RELEASE

For additional information:  lpearce@pcschools.us, Exec Admin Asst to BOE/Supt: (435) 615-0225

PARK CITY, UT (May 27, 2022) — The Summit County Sheriff’s Department announced a public safety alert this afternoon, warning the community about an incident that involved locally sold marijuana that was believed to be laced with the dangerous drug Fentanyl.

Fentanyl is a synthetic opioid that is highly potent in micro amounts and can be lethal if ingested.

The Summit County Sheriff’s Office implores Summit County residents to not purchase and ingest illegal street drugs. If individuals notice someone having medical complications, seek immediate medical attention.

Community partners, including Park City Fire District and Intermountain Park City Hospital, have been notified of the dangerous drugs found in the community.

The best prevention is talking to your student about never taking any medication that doesn’t come from their doctor.  This includes never taking pills, even from friends.  This is a conversation that can literally save your child’s life. 

Other prevention strategies include:

  1. Open Communication: One of the best ways to protect youth from substances is by having open communication and educating them on the risks of substance use. Listening to them without judging is a critical tool you can provide as their trusted adult.
  2. Look for Changes in Behavior: Look out for changes in behavior, such as irregular eating or sleeping patterns, low energy, general signs of depression or anxiety, unusual irritability, slipping grades, lack of interest in activities they love, and even drastic clothing style changes. Trust your instincts. If you notice a change, ask about it.
  3. Monitor Social Media: Talk to your child and monitor their social media use. The online environment provides platforms for people to sell substances. Substances can be offered by someone met online.

If you think your child is using fentanyl or other opioids, please contact your family physician or your school site counselor. Students and families can also report confidential concerns about substances circulating in the community by submitting an anonymous tip at https://safeut.org/

Advertencia de fentanilo en Park City

COMUNICADO DE PRENSA

Para obtener información adicional:  lpearce@pcschools.us, Asistente administrativo ejecutivo a BOE/Superintendente (435) 615-0225

PARK CITY, UT (27 de mayo de 2022) — El Departamento del Sheriff del Condado de Summit anunció una alerta esta tarde, advirtiendo a la comunidad sobre un incidente que involucró marihuana vendida localmente que se creía que estaba mezclada con la peligrosa droga Fentanyl.

El fentanilo es un opioide sintético que es muy potente en microcantidades y puede ser letal si se ingiere.

La Oficina del Sheriff del Condado de Summit implora a los residentes del Condado de Summit que no compren ni ingieren drogas ilegales. Si las personas notan que alguien tiene complicaciones médicas, busque atención médica inmediata.

Los socios de la comunidad, incluido el Distrito de Bomberos de Park City y el Hospital Intermountain Park City, han sido notificados de las drogas peligrosas encontradas en la comunidad.

La mejor prevención es hablar con su estudiante sobre nunca tomar ningún medicamento que no provenga de su médico. Esto incluye nunca tomar pastillas, ni siquiera de amigos. Esta es una conversación que literalmente puede salvar la vida de su hijo. 

Otras estrategias de prevención incluyen:

Comunicación abierta: una de las mejores maneras de proteger a los jóvenes de las sustancias es tener una comunicación abierta y educarlos sobre los riesgos del uso de sustancias. Escucharlos sin juzgarlos es una herramienta fundamental que puedes brindarles como su adulto de confianza.

Busque cambios en el comportamiento: busque cambios en el comportamiento, como patrones irregulares de alimentación o sueño, poca energía, signos generales de depresión o ansiedad, irritabilidad inusual, calificaciones bajas, falta de interés en las actividades que aman e incluso estilo de ropa drástico. cambios. Confía en tus instintos. Si nota un cambio, pregunte al respecto.

Supervise las redes sociales: hable con su hijo y controle su uso de las redes sociales. El entorno en línea proporciona plataformas para que las personas vendan sustancias. Las sustancias pueden ser ofrecidas por alguien conocido en línea.

Si cree que su hijo está usando fentanilo u otros opioides, comuníquese con su médico de familia o con el consejero de su escuela. Los estudiantes y las familias también pueden informar inquietudes confidenciales sobre las sustancias que circulan en la comunidad enviando un aviso anónimo en https://safeut.org/

Principals Lead with Safety First

NEWS RELEASE

For additional information:  lpearce@pcschools.us, Exec Admin Asst to BOE/Supt

(435) 615-0225

PARK CITY, UT (May 25, 2022) – We are shocked and saddened to hear of the tragedy in Uvalde, Texas. As we work to finish the school year, we want to assure you that the safety and security of our teachers, staff, and students and the learning environment will always be our top priority. 

While there is no immediate threat to our local Park City School District; nonetheless, school administrators worked together to review all safety procedures and safeguards related to entry, egress, and visitor management to ensure the safety of our students and staff.

As a result, there will be an increased police presence at all PCSD schools for the remainder of the school year as well as at our graduation services. Our counselors and resource officers are always ready to assist with any student concerns. Should parents/guardians have questions or concerns, please reach out to any school administrator. If you notice anything unusual, please report it immediately to the Park City Police Department.   

Our thoughts are with Uvalde families, students, teachers, and community during this difficult time.

Directores Escolares Lideran con la Seguridad Primero

PARK CITY, UT (25 de mayo de 2022) – Estamos conmocionados y entristecidos al enterarnos de la Tragedia en Uvalde, Texas. Mientras trabajamos para terminar el año escolar, queremos asegurarles que la seguridad de nuestros maestros, personal y estudiantes y el entorno de aprendizaje siempre serán nuestra principal prioridad. 

Si bien no existe una amenaza inmediata para nuestro distrito escolar local de Park City; no obstante, los administradores escolares trabajaron juntos para revisar todos los procedimientos de seguridad y salvaguardas relacionadas con la entrada, salida y gestión de visitantes para garantizar la seguridad de nuestros estudiantes y personal.

Como resultado, habrá una mayor presencia policial en todas las escuelas de PCSD durante el resto del año escolar, así como en nuestros servicios de graduación. Nuestros consejeros y oficiales de recursos siempre están listos para ayudar con cualquier inquietud de los estudiantes. Si los padres/tutores tienen preguntas o inquietudes, comuníquese con cualquier administrador de la escuela. Si nota algo inusual, informe de inmediato al Departamento de Policía de Park City.   

Nuestros pensamientos están con las familias, los estudiantes, los maestros y la comunidad de Uvalde durante este momento difícil.

Media Advisory Fentanyl WARNING for Students and Their Parents

PARK CITY POLICE DEPARTMENT/SUMMIT COUNTY SHERIFF’S
OFFICE/SUMMIT COUNTY ATTORNEY’S OFFICE/PARK CITY
SCHOOL DISTRICT
Fentanyl WARNING for Students and Their Parents

Complete document can be viewed here

DRUG AWARENESS – It’s important for parents to know what drugs we are seeing in our community and in the hands of our youth. Drugs may come in candy/food packaging, pill form and liquid form. More and more drugs (in pill, powder and/or liquid form) are also being laced with the very deadly drug FENTANYL. If you suspect your youth are in possession of any kind of drug, please contact local law enforcement. Help us keep your children and our community safe. #SayNoToDrugs #summitcounty

Summit County Sheriff’s Office (435)615-3601
Park City Police Department (435)615-5500

Addressing Students’ Emotional Needs During School Dismissal

By Elias McQuaid | Psychologist, Park City Learning Center

Children of all ages may have strong feelings and emotions during or after disasters or emergencies like the COVID-19 outbreak. Some children may react right away, while others may show signs of difficulty much later. Reactions will also be unique to each child depending on their exposure and their history or experiences.

Children react, in part, on what they see from the adults around them. When parents and caregivers deal with a disaster calmly and confidently, they can provide the best support for their children. Parents can be more reassuring to others around them, especially children, if they are better prepared.

Elias McQuaid, Psychologist

The emotional impact of an emergency on a child depends on a child’s characteristics and experiences, the social and economic circumstances of the family and community, and the availability of local resources. Not all children respond in the same ways. Some might have more severe, longer-lasting reactions.

The following specific factors may affect a child’s emotional response:

– Direct involvement with the emergency

– Previous traumatic or stressful event

– Belief that the child or a loved one may die

– Loss of a family member, close friend, or pet

– Separation from caregivers

– Physical injury

– How parents and caregivers respond

– Family resources

– Relationships and communication among family members

– Repeated exposure to mass media coverage of the emergency and aftermath

– Ongoing stress due to the change in familiar routines and living conditions

– Cultural differences

– Community resilience

As a school district, we want to help our students and families as best we can during these stressful times. There are several things we can do to help our students and they include:

– Stay calm and reassure your children.

– Talk to children about what is happening in a way that they can understand.   Keep it simple and appropriate for each child’s age.

– Provide opportunities to talk about feelings and practice relaxation strategies.

– Engage in whole family stress relief activities.

– Don’t neglect regular exercise and movement. Regular exercise has many benefits—it builds strength and cardiovascular health, releases endorphins, and improves sleep, all of which lead to decreased stress and anxiety. Even short bursts of movement offer benefit, and moving as a family offers a feeling of connection, which has also been linked to reduced stress. So, join your children in a quick game of tag or a living room dance party when you’re short on time; and shoot hoops, take the dog on a long walk, or find a family-friendly bike trail when you have more time for longer stress-relieving outdoor recreation.

What Not To Do

– Expect children to be brave or tough.

– Make children discuss the event before they are ready.

– Get angry if children show strong emotions.

– Get upset if they begin bed-wetting, acting out, or thumb-sucking

Common Reactions

The common reactions to distress will fade over time for most children. Children who were directly exposed to a disaster can become upset again; behavior related to the event may return if they see or hear reminders of what happened. If children continue to be very upset or if their reactions hurt their schoolwork or relationships then parents may want to talk to a professional or have their children talk to someone who specializes in children’s emotional needs. Learn more about common reactions to distress:

For infants to 2 year olds: Infants may become more cranky. They may cry more than usual or want to be held and cuddled more.

For 3 to 6 year olds: Preschool and kindergarten children may return to behaviors they have outgrown. For example, toileting accidents, bed-wetting, or being frightened about being separated from their parents/caregivers. They may also have tantrums or a hard time sleeping.

For 7 to 10 year olds: Older children may feel sad, mad, or afraid that the event will happen again. Peers may share false information; however, parents or caregivers can correct the misinformation. Older children may focus on details of the event and want to talk about it all the time or not want to talk about it at all. They may have trouble concentrating.

For pre-teens and teenagers: Some preteens and teenagers respond to trauma by acting out. This could include reckless driving, and alcohol or drug use. Others may become afraid to leave the home. They may cut back on how much time they spend with their friends. They can feel overwhelmed by their intense emotions and feel unable to talk about them. Their emotions may lead to increased arguing and even fighting with siblings, parents/caregivers or other adults.

For special needs children: Children who need continuous use of a breathing machine or are confined to a wheelchair or bed, may have stronger reactions to a threatened or actual disaster. They might have more intense distress, worry or anger than children without special needs because they have less control over day-to-day well-being than other people. The same is true for children with other physical, emotional, or intellectual limitations. Children with special needs may need extra words of reassurance, more explanations about the event, and more comfort and other positive physical contact such as hugs from loved ones.

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Content Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention https://www.cdc.gov/childrenindisasters/helping-children-cope.html

Additional Resources

The Emotional Impact of Disaster on Children and Families https://www.aap.org/en-us/Documents/disasters_dpac_PEDsModule9.pdf

“Coping After a Disaster” children’s book https://www.cdc.gov/cpr/readywrigley/documents/RW_Coping_After_a_Disaster_508.pdf

Home Management Strategies for Panic Disorder https://www.anxietycanada.com/articles/home-management-strategies-for-panic-disorder/

Three Ways for Children to Try Meditation at Home

Helping Children Deal with Change and Stress https://www.brighthorizons.com/family-resources/helping-children-deal-with-change-and-stress

Helping Children and Adolescents Cope with Disasters and Other Traumatic Events: What Parents, Rescue Workers, and the Community Can Do https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/publications/helping-children-and-adolescents-cope-with-disasters-and-other-traumatic-events/index.shtml

January's Counselor Connection: Attendance and Why it Matters

“Attendance Works,” an organization whose mission is to “advance student success and help close equity gaps by reducing chronic absence,” cites the following:

– Absenteeism in the first month of school can predict poor attendance throughout the school year.Half the students who miss 2-4 days in September go on to miss nearly a month (20 days) of school.

– Poor attendance can influence whether children read proficiently by the end of third grade or are held back.

– Research shows that missing 10 percent of a student’s school days, which is considered “chronically absent” (18 days in PCSD) negatively affects a student’s academic performance.

– When students improve their attendance rates, they improve their academic prospects and chances for graduating.

– By 6th grade chronic absence becomes a leading indicator that a student will drop out of high school.

Read the full issue of January’s Counselor Connection here. English | Spanish

'Counselor Connection' Offers Tips on Coping with Holiday Stress

The December issue of “Counselor Connection” offers important information on how to cope with stress. Most people experience stress and anxiety from time to time. Stress is any demand placed on your brain or physical body. People can report feeling stressed when multiple competing demands are placed on them. The feeling of being stressed can be triggered by an event that makes you feel frustrated or nervous. Anxiety is a feeling of fear, worry, or unease. It can be a reaction to stress, or it can occur in people who are unable to identify significant stressors in their life.

Learning and emotions are connected. But how? According
to Yale Professor Marc Brackett, “How we feel – bored, curious, stressed, etc. – influences whether we are present, in ‘fight or flight’ mode, or able to process and integrate information.”

The holidays in particular can be stressful. The end of a school semester or trimester, along with “extra” holiday demands can put students as well as parents on overload. Learning to manage stress is an important skill that once learned, will serve us well.

Here are some strategies that may help:

– Keep a positive attitude.

– Accept that there are events that you cannot control.

– Learn and practice relaxation techniques like meditation, yoga, or tai-chi.

– Exercise . Your body can fight stress better when it is fit.

– Eat healthy, well-balanced meals.

– Set limits; learn to say no to requests that lead to stress.

– Make time for hobbies, interests, and relaxation.

– Get enough rest and sleep.

– Seek out social support and spend time with friends.

Read the full December issue here: English | Spanish

New Issue of ‘Counselor Connection’ focuses on technology

Park City School District promotes digital citizenship and internet safety in a variety of ways. Please contact your school’s counselors or administrators if you have questions.

According to Cyber Savvy Kids:

– The average age for a child getting their first smartphone is now 10-years-old.

– 64% of kids have access to the internet via their own devices, compared to 42% in 2012.

– 39% of kids get a social media account at 11-years-old.

– On average, children in the 4th and 5th grades have their hands on a powerful device that leaves them unsupervised and open to a whole lot of trouble. Whatever trouble they can get into, you can be sure that a phone will magnify that trouble 100x.

Phones have become a ubiquitous part of ours and our childrens’ lives, providing instant access to the internet. And while they are incredibly convenient for staying connected, there are some potential negative impacts we can’t overlook. Cell phones impact learning, relationships, and overall well being in ways that none of us could have predicted before cell phones (BCP.) And because they’ve never been without phones and internet access, digital natives are challenging our parenting and teaching in dramatic ways.

So how can we help our children develop healthy cell phone and online habits? How can we keep them safe, gain that all-important sense of belonging and prevent them from developing substance abuse or mental health problems? How can schools and parents partner so students can benefit from the innovative technological and educational opportunities an online world provides?

There are terrific resources for parents in our second issue of Counselor Connection. In addition, we want to share what counselors and social workers in our schools are doing related to each Connection topic to promote academic, social, emotional, and behavioral wellness.

Read the full newsletter here in English, or in Spanish.

School counselors introduce inaugural issue of ‘Counselor Connection’

Beginning this month, Park City High counselors, along with counselors throughout the school district, invite parents/guardians, educators, and community members to review the new “Counselor Connection: Parenting Tips for Today.” This month’s issue focuses on vaping.

Park City School District works with students and families to minimize/eliminate the use of e-cigarettes in or around school campuses. If devices are found, cartridges are tested to be certain there are not illegal substances such as THC in the device.

Devices, as they are not permitted on site, are confiscated. We work with students and families on both educational intervention and age appropriate consequences.

Please contact your school administrators if you have additional questions about vaping or the use of e-cigarettes on campus. 

Read the full newsletter here: English | Espanol

Parley’s Park Elementary Cuts Ribbon on New Greenhouse on Earth Day

Parley’s Park Elementary School (PPES)cut the ribbon this morning to open the school’s first outdoor classroom, a greenhouse where K-5 students experience science and nutrition education.

“We are very excited to create outdoor, hands-on learning experiences for our students,” said Principal David Gomez.“This greenhouse provides our teachers a new tool to create fun outdoor STEM learning.”

At the grand opening EATS volunteers taught students from kindergarten and third grade how to plant seeds and helped them pot tomatoes and herbs that seeded the greenhouse. “EATS is excited for the first Park City school greenhouse and the essential life skills opportunities the garden provides students K-5,” said Meaghan Miller-Gitlin, EATS ExecutiveDirector.

This outdoor classroom didn’t happen overnight, it took significant fundraising and staff/volunteer dedication from both the PPES PTA, Park City School District, and the EATS organization.“The process for the greenhouse started five years ago with a committed group of PTA parents who began working with EATS to expand the classroom to the outdoors,”said PPES parent Sara Sergent. “I am very excited to see it come to life, especially on Earth Day.”

This greenhouse is a first of the school district and is seen as an outdoor education pilot initiative. “The greenhouse is a great visual representation of where the Park City School District is heading with our master plan and integrating outdoor education into each school,” said Superintendent Jill Gildea.


Contact: Brandi Connolly | Parley’s Park Elementary PTA | 214-448-9651, parleyspta@gmail.com

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