Google Visits West Hills Intermediate School as it Launches 2024 Statewide Online Safety Roadshow Tour

In collaboration with PA State Senator Joe Pittman, Google recently visited West Hills Intermediate School as part of its 2024 Statewide Online Safety Roadshow Tour. These lively assembly-style events aim to teach students how to be smart and stay safe online by focusing on essential skills such as creating a safe password, avoiding talking to strangers, and prioritizing digital well-being.



The Online Safety Roadshow is based on the Be Internet Awesome curriculum, which provides valuable tips for staying safe and being smart online. The tour is part of Google's initiative to empower young people with the tools and training they need to explore the internet safely.

During the visit to West Hills Intermediate School, local officials and Google representatives emphasized the local impact that internet safety has on everyone. They highlighted the importance of teaching students how to use the internet appropriately and safely, as it is a shared responsibility between the school, parents, and the community.

Senator Pittman, who was present at the event, expressed his thoughts on the choice of West Hills for the Online Safety Roadshow. He stated, "We wanted to find schools that we thought would be welcoming to the conversation, but also an age range that this is very important for, and we felt that West Hills was a perfect fit."

Mandy Toy, West Hills Intermediate School Principal, emphasized teaching students digital literacy and citizenship, "the internet is a great tool for anyone if appropriately utilized. Our students face unique challenges that older generations did not have to navigate. Teaching students how to appropriately and safely use the internet is a shared responsibility between the school, parents, and the community. The Armstrong School District strategic plan communicates that digital literacy and citizenship are two goals for all of our ASD graduates. Today's lessons from Google are one of many opportunities for students to learn these valuable lifelong skills during their time at West Hills Intermediate School."

The visit from Google and the Online Safety Roadshow were undoubtedly valuable experiences for the West Hills Intermediate School students and staff. By equipping students with essential internet safety skills and knowledge, they are better poised to navigate the digital world responsibly and safely. The collaboration between Google, local officials, and educational institutions highlights the significance of collective efforts in promoting online safety and digital well-being.

Congratulations to Our AJSH Success at The 2024 Sea Air and Land Challenge

The Sea Air and Land Challenge is more than just a competition for high school and middle school students - it is a STEM initiative that aims to inspire and educate the next generation of engineers and innovators. This year, at the Penn State Sea, Air, and Land Robotics Competition held at Seneca Valley High School, teams of students showcased their skills and creativity in designing and building robotic systems for the Air Division.



Congratulations are in order for the 1st place winners, Sage Gould, Gianna Dobransky, and Ava Schrecengost, as well as the close second, Everett Walker, Austin Bruner, and Max Petrosky. The Air teams truly impressed the judges with their innovative designs, with only a half point separating them. Additionally, the Sea team put up a strong showing with their unique design.

The Sea Air and Land Challenge is not just a competition. It's a gateway to real-world engineering experience. Students collaborate to tackle complex problems and compete in missions that mirror those faced by the military, national security agencies, and first responders. These challenges, crafted by engineers at the Penn State Applied Research Laboratory and special operations forces, expose students to cutting-edge technologies and techniques in the field.

Participating in the Sea Air and Land Challenge is not just about showcasing technical skills. It's about fostering critical thinking, peer collaboration, and the ability to perform under pressure. These are invaluable skills that will shape their future, regardless of whether they choose a STEM-related career or not.

Overall, the Sea Air and Land Challenge is a fantastic opportunity for students to learn, grow, and be inspired by the world of engineering and robotics. It is initiatives like this that help to shape the innovators of tomorrow, and we look forward to seeing what the future holds for these talented young individuals.

AHS AP Government Class Learn About the U.S. Government in the Heart of Washington, D.C.

The AHS Advanced Placement Government class recently adventured on a once-in-a-lifetime educational experience in Washington, D.C. The trip was filled with exciting and enlightening activities that significantly deepened students' understanding of American history and government.



The trip started with a visit to the White House, where students got a firsthand look at the iconic residence of the President of the United States. Following this, students were treated to a VIP tour of the U.S. Capitol Building, where they had access to the U.S. House Gallery thanks to Congressman G.T. Thompson, as well as Senate Gallery passes provided by Senator John Fetterman.

One of the trip's highlights was visiting the Supreme Court Building, where students learned about the judicial branch of government and witnessed a live session. The day ended on a high note with a visit to the Marine Corps Barracks Washington, where students attended the Evening Parade featuring the Marine Corps Band, Drum and Bugle Corps, and Silent Drill Team.

The next day began with a visit to the National Archives, where students had the incredible and unique opportunity to view original copies of the Declaration of Independence, the Constitution, and the Bill of Rights. This was followed by visits to the Smithsonian Museums of American History and African American History, allowing students to immerse themselves in the rich tapestry of American culture and heritage.

A poignant moment of the trip was a visit to Arlington National Cemetery, where students paid their respects at the JFK gravesite and witnessed the solemn Changing of the Guard at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. The day also included visits to memorials honoring veterans of the Korean War, Vietnam War, and WWII, as well as monuments dedicated to Jefferson, King, and FDR.

Overall, the trip was a resounding success and a testament to the hard work and dedication of the Inaugural AP Government class. The students truly made the most of this educational opportunity, setting a high standard for future classes. This experience was not only informative but also inspirational, leaving a lasting impression on all who participated.