OHVA Safe and Connected Initiative

Creating a Safer, Stronger, More Connected OHVA

Safety is everyone’s responsibility. The Safe & Connected Initiative brings together prevention, awareness, connection, preparedness, and response to create a school community where students, families, and staff feel informed, supported, and empowered to help keep one another safe.

Through ongoing education, meaningful connection, proactive support, and practical safety resources, we are working together to build a culture where safety is proactive, connection is intentional, and every student matters.

OHVA Safe & Connected Initiative

A Message to Our Families: Keeping Students Safe in a Digital World

Dear OHVA Families,

Technology creates valuable opportunities for learning and connection, but it also presents safety challenges. OHVA’s Safe & Connected Initiative promotes a learning environment where every student feels safe, supported, connected, and empowered to make responsible choices online. Families play an important role in this shared responsibility.

OHVA uses network and device safeguards, including blocking many social media and non-educational websites on OHVA-issued devices. However, filters cannot block everything or replace parental supervision. Students may still access online content through personal devices, gaming systems, and other networks.

Three Ways Families Can Help:

1. Social Media & Digital Connections

Talk regularly about online friendships, privacy settings, and protecting personal information, photos, and location. Discuss the risks of cyberbullying, inappropriate content, and contact with strangers. Remind your child to tell a trusted adult if something feels unsafe. Social media (Facebook, TikTok, Snapchat, etc.) may still be accessible through personal devices or other internet connections.

2. Online Gaming & Communication

Platforms such as Roblox, Fortnite, Minecraft, and Discord may include chat and messaging features. Review privacy settings and parental controls, establish expectations for respectful behavior, and remind your child never to share passwords or personal information.

3. Open Communication & Early Support

Encourage your child to speak up about concerning content, threatening messages, cyberbullying, or uncomfortable interactions. Discuss healthy screen-time boundaries, digital footprints, and treating others with kindness and respect. When concerns arise, save relevant information, stop engaging, and seek help from a trusted adult.

Connection is a critical part of prevention. Students who feel supported and know where to turn are more likely to speak up early. Encourage your child to report concerns involving themselves or others. If a website needed for learning is blocked, contact a teacher or OHVA support staff rather than attempting to bypass safeguards.

Through prevention and awareness, a safe digital learning environment, connection and support, and preparedness and response, we can work together to protect student well-being and build a positive school community.

Thank you for partnering with OHVA to keep our students safe, connected, and supported.

Sincerely,

Carrie Mohre

School Safety Coordinator

cmohre@k12.com or 419-482-0948 Ext 7009

CTRL + CONNECT: Building a Safer Digital Community

At OHVA, safety goes beyond the classroom. CTRL + CONNECT empowers students, families, and staff to stay connected to the people and resources that can help. Explore the tools and resources below to help create stronger connections within the digital community.