Tech Tips for Families: Gaming Guide for Teens
Teenagers are deeply connected to the world of gaming, from consoles and apps to live streams and social play. Internet Matters’ Gaming Guide for Teens provides practical advice to keep gaming safe, healthy, and fun:
Balance is key – Encourage a healthy mix of screen time, sleep, schoolwork, and offline activities.
Be mindful of “Let’s Play” videos – These can include mature content or offensive language, so watch together when possible.
Know PEGI ratings – Use game ratings to guide appropriate choices, even as teens push boundaries.
Talk about risks – Remind them to protect personal information, be cautious about online friendships, and avoid toxic behavior.
Model healthy habits – Play games together, set screen time expectations, and encourage regular breaks.
Set a family gaming agreement – Create shared rules on what games are okay and when they can be played.
Share the “Stop, Speak, Support” code – A simple way to help teens handle cyberbullying in gaming.
Click this link for more: https://www.internetmatters.org/resources/gaming-guide-for-teens/
Teenagers are deeply connected to the world of gaming, from consoles and apps to live streams and social play. Internet Matters’ Gaming Guide for Teens provides practical advice to keep gaming safe, healthy, and fun:
Balance is key – Encourage a healthy mix of screen time, sleep, schoolwork, and offline activities.
Be mindful of “Let’s Play” videos – These can include mature content or offensive language, so watch together when possible.
Know PEGI ratings – Use game ratings to guide appropriate choices, even as teens push boundaries.
Talk about risks – Remind them to protect personal information, be cautious about online friendships, and avoid toxic behavior.
Model healthy habits – Play games together, set screen time expectations, and encourage regular breaks.
Set a family gaming agreement – Create shared rules on what games are okay and when they can be played.
Share the “Stop, Speak, Support” code – A simple way to help teens handle cyberbullying in gaming.
Click this link for more: https://www.internetmatters.org/resources/gaming-guide-for-teens/
Tech Tips for Families: Gaming Guide for Pre-teens
Gaming can offer great benefits—from problem-solving skills to learning through play—but it also brings new challenges. Internet Matters’ Gaming Guide for Pre-teens offers practical advice to help your child game safely and enjoyably:
Think about content – Choose games that support learning and life skills, and understand PEGI ratings to ensure appropriateness.
Start the conversation – Ask what they enjoy playing and listen without judgment to encourage openness.
Discuss risks – Remind them to keep personal details private and that not everyone they meet online can be trusted.
Handle issues together – If something upsets them or they feel targeted, encourage them to speak up so you can help.
Take action – Set healthy screen time boundaries, use reviews when picking games, and play together to stay involved.
Stay informed – Check privacy settings, teach them how to report abuse, learn gaming lingo, and make gaming a shared, supervised family activity.
Click this link for more: https://www.internetmatters.org/resources/gaming-guide-for-pre-teens/
Gaming can offer great benefits—from problem-solving skills to learning through play—but it also brings new challenges. Internet Matters’ Gaming Guide for Pre-teens offers practical advice to help your child game safely and enjoyably:
Think about content – Choose games that support learning and life skills, and understand PEGI ratings to ensure appropriateness.
Start the conversation – Ask what they enjoy playing and listen without judgment to encourage openness.
Discuss risks – Remind them to keep personal details private and that not everyone they meet online can be trusted.
Handle issues together – If something upsets them or they feel targeted, encourage them to speak up so you can help.
Take action – Set healthy screen time boundaries, use reviews when picking games, and play together to stay involved.
Stay informed – Check privacy settings, teach them how to report abuse, learn gaming lingo, and make gaming a shared, supervised family activity.
Click this link for more: https://www.internetmatters.org/resources/gaming-guide-for-pre-teens/
2nd graders celebrated the end of their Greek Civilization and Myths unit with a special Greek Gods & Goddesses Day. We dressed as our favorite characters, participated in the Potato Olympics, created Arachne weavings, and enjoyed a Greek inspired snack.
Elementary Families - Check out the November Newsletter from the Elementary Office! https://tinyurl.com/3mduyd8d
North Crawford Middle School Students of the Month - October
8th grade - Ava H.
7th grade - Kiera K.
6th grade - McKenzie D.
Each student was nominated by their teachers for hard work, responsibility, respectfulness, and dedication to their school work. Congratulations!
Go Trojans!
#TrojanPride
8th grade - Ava H.
7th grade - Kiera K.
6th grade - McKenzie D.
Each student was nominated by their teachers for hard work, responsibility, respectfulness, and dedication to their school work. Congratulations!
Go Trojans!
#TrojanPride
ATTENTION: Due to not having a JV team this year, all home Varsity Girls Basketball games will start at 6:30pm. That includes our first home game tonight against Brookwood. Come out and support the team!
Go Trojans!
#TrojanPride
Go Trojans!
#TrojanPride
5th graders work hard and play hard:) In math they worked through some matching activities to strengthen logical connections between word problems and the numbers that represent them. In CKLA they have been using creativity to craft incredible poems. Today they got to combine their logical and creative skills to explore some of the technology that surrounds us every day. We are thankful for all of our amazing volunteers, and the magic they brought to our classroom. One student was even overheard saying, “This is the best day of my life”. What a great reminder to have fun, and love the journey.
🍂 Soft Launch Alert! North Crawford Floral Shop is Open! 🌼
The North Crawford Floral Shop—our brand-new, student-led business through the FFA—is officially soft launching its very first fall arrangements! Our students are still building their design skills, but they’ve created some truly beautiful pieces we’re excited to share with you.
💐 Arrangements available:
✨ Today until 2:00 PM
✨ Tonight at the home basketball game
✨ Tomorrow during the school day
We’ll also be adding more arrangements throughout the day, so be sure to stop by and see what’s new!
Thank you for supporting our students as they grow, learn, and bring something beautiful to our community. 🍁💛
🏀🤼 Fan of the Game!
MS & HS students who attend home basketball games or wrestling meets will be entered to win gift cards each night. Thank you to the Marketplace and Campbell's One Stop for their generous donations of gift cards for our students. Come support our Trojans! #TrojanPride
Save the date(s) to come out and enjoy the upcoming Musical Concerts in December!
#TrjoanPride
#TrjoanPride
North Crawford Band Students Experience Special Visit from Dr. Justin Weis
On Tuesday morning, North Crawford band students had the incredible opportunity to learn from and be inspired by Dr. Justin Weis, a nationally recognized trombonist, educator, and performing artist. Dr. Weis visited our school from 10:30–11:30 AM in the Performance Center, where he performed for students, shared insights from his musical career, and offered guidance on musicianship and practice.
A group of our students had already met Dr. Weis the day before at the Conference Honors Band, making today’s visit an even more meaningful extension of that experience. His passion for music, combined with his expertise as both a performer and teacher, provided students with a firsthand look at what dedication, discipline, and creativity can lead to in the world of music.
This type of real-world learning is an outstanding opportunity for our young musicians—allowing them to see, hear, and interact with a professional artist at a very high level. We are grateful to Mr. Derrik Junker, our Instrumental Music Teacher, for organizing this experience and continuing to bring enriching opportunities to our music program.
To learn more about Dr. Justin Weis and his work, visit: justinweismusic.com
On Tuesday morning, North Crawford band students had the incredible opportunity to learn from and be inspired by Dr. Justin Weis, a nationally recognized trombonist, educator, and performing artist. Dr. Weis visited our school from 10:30–11:30 AM in the Performance Center, where he performed for students, shared insights from his musical career, and offered guidance on musicianship and practice.
A group of our students had already met Dr. Weis the day before at the Conference Honors Band, making today’s visit an even more meaningful extension of that experience. His passion for music, combined with his expertise as both a performer and teacher, provided students with a firsthand look at what dedication, discipline, and creativity can lead to in the world of music.
This type of real-world learning is an outstanding opportunity for our young musicians—allowing them to see, hear, and interact with a professional artist at a very high level. We are grateful to Mr. Derrik Junker, our Instrumental Music Teacher, for organizing this experience and continuing to bring enriching opportunities to our music program.
To learn more about Dr. Justin Weis and his work, visit: justinweismusic.com
FREE Dental Care for All Students, 4k-12 – November 24 & 25
North Crawford will be offering free on-site preventive dental care for all students on November 24th and 25th. This program is available to students of all ages at no cost to families.
Services provided include:
Dental screenings
Cleanings
Fluoride treatments
Sealants
This partnership helps ensure that all students have easy access to high-quality dental care right at school. After their school assessment, students may also receive ongoing routine dental care through Scenic Bluffs Community Health Centers, removing cost barriers for families.
Consent forms are required. Please contact the school office to request a form or if you have any questions.
We encourage all families to take advantage of this valuable opportunity to support student health and wellness!
North Crawford will be offering free on-site preventive dental care for all students on November 24th and 25th. This program is available to students of all ages at no cost to families.
Services provided include:
Dental screenings
Cleanings
Fluoride treatments
Sealants
This partnership helps ensure that all students have easy access to high-quality dental care right at school. After their school assessment, students may also receive ongoing routine dental care through Scenic Bluffs Community Health Centers, removing cost barriers for families.
Consent forms are required. Please contact the school office to request a form or if you have any questions.
We encourage all families to take advantage of this valuable opportunity to support student health and wellness!
This Thursday is our annual Thanksgiving Lunch!
It’s a day we look forward to all year, and we’re rolling out one of our best meals to celebrate. We’re thankful for our students and staff and can’t wait to share this tradition.
It’s a day we look forward to all year, and we’re rolling out one of our best meals to celebrate. We’re thankful for our students and staff and can’t wait to share this tradition.
Thank you to our amazing community for supporting our cookie fundraiser! To date, we’ve sold 48 dozen cookies—and we’re still taking orders!
The reviews have been fabulous, and everyone is loving them. If you haven’t placed your order yet, now’s the time… get yours before they’re gone! All money raised will be for the purchase of fresh locally raised beef for our school lunch program. Ordering is very simple using the link below.
https://forms.gle/K6VBbDyV5Q6YxUG69
The reviews have been fabulous, and everyone is loving them. If you haven’t placed your order yet, now’s the time… get yours before they’re gone! All money raised will be for the purchase of fresh locally raised beef for our school lunch program. Ordering is very simple using the link below.
https://forms.gle/K6VBbDyV5Q6YxUG69
🎄 North Crawford Cheer Team – Holiday Kiddie Camp! 🎄
Join the North Crawford Cheer Team for our Holiday Kiddie Camp! Participants will learn a short dance routine and perform it alongside the cheerleaders at a high school girls basketball game! Participants will get a t-shirt to wear during the performance and all proceeds help fund our cheer uniforms.
📅 Camp Date: Saturday, December 13th
📍 Location: North Crawford High School Gymnasium
⏰ Time: 9:00 AM – 11:00 AM
🎤 Performance Date: December 19 – Halftime of the Girls Basketball Game
👧 Who Can Join: 4K – 4th Grade
💲 Camp Cost: $20 (Performance t-shirt included)
📝 Registration Due Date: Friday, November 21st
Click link for more information: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Cp8-lulvBEr5MdEZCD0UcLbFYAXOVXmr/view?usp=sharing
Join the North Crawford Cheer Team for our Holiday Kiddie Camp! Participants will learn a short dance routine and perform it alongside the cheerleaders at a high school girls basketball game! Participants will get a t-shirt to wear during the performance and all proceeds help fund our cheer uniforms.
📅 Camp Date: Saturday, December 13th
📍 Location: North Crawford High School Gymnasium
⏰ Time: 9:00 AM – 11:00 AM
🎤 Performance Date: December 19 – Halftime of the Girls Basketball Game
👧 Who Can Join: 4K – 4th Grade
💲 Camp Cost: $20 (Performance t-shirt included)
📝 Registration Due Date: Friday, November 21st
Click link for more information: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Cp8-lulvBEr5MdEZCD0UcLbFYAXOVXmr/view?usp=sharing
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: University of Wisconsin Extension Office
Phone: 608-326-0223
Website: https://crawford.extension.wisc.edu/triple-p-positive-parenting-program/
Triple P Teenagers – Positive Parenting Program Offers Support for Parents of Teens
Prairie du Chien, WI – Parents and caregivers of teenagers are invited to participate in the upcoming Triple P Teenagers – Positive Parenting Program, an evidence-based course designed to help families navigate the challenges of adolescence.
This free online session will take place on Friday, November 21 at 12:00 PM (Noon) via Zoom. The program provides practical strategies for addressing issues such as smoking or vaping, alcohol use, drug experimentation, and other common teenage behaviors. Participants will leave with a personalized parenting plan tailored to their family’s needs.
“This program empowers parents with tools to guide their teens through difficult decisions while strengthening family relationships,” said Amanda Griswold, HDR Extension Educator.
Registration is now open and can be completed online at https://crawford.extension.wisc.edu/triple-p-positive-parenting-program/
or by calling the University of Wisconsin Extension Office at 608-326-0223 for assistance.
📣 Calling All Parents of Teens!
Are you raising a teen and looking for ways to make parenting a little easier—and a lot more joyful?
Join us for the Triple P Positive Parenting Program for Teens, a free virtual class designed for parents and caregivers of youth ages 12–16. Whether you're working through challenging behaviors or just want to strengthen your relationship with your teen, this class is full of practical strategies you can use right away.
🗓 Next class: Friday, November 21, 2025
🕛 Time: 12:00 PM (Noon)
📍 Location: Online via Zoom
🎟 Register here: https://go.wisc.edu/juqep0
Come to one class or attend several—whatever works for your schedule! Once you register, we’ll send all the info you need by email.
Questions? Reach out to Amanda Griswold at:
📧 amanda.griswold@wisc.edu
📞 608-326-0223
Let’s build strong, confident teens—together!
Amanda Griswold, HDFS and CFLE
Human Development & Relationships Educator
University of Wisconsin-Madison Division of Extension – Crawford County
UW-Madison Extension Crawford County
225 North Beaumont Road, Suite 240
Prairie du Chien, WI 53821
Phone: (608) 326-0223
Website: Extension Crawford County
Contact: University of Wisconsin Extension Office
Phone: 608-326-0223
Website: https://crawford.extension.wisc.edu/triple-p-positive-parenting-program/
Triple P Teenagers – Positive Parenting Program Offers Support for Parents of Teens
Prairie du Chien, WI – Parents and caregivers of teenagers are invited to participate in the upcoming Triple P Teenagers – Positive Parenting Program, an evidence-based course designed to help families navigate the challenges of adolescence.
This free online session will take place on Friday, November 21 at 12:00 PM (Noon) via Zoom. The program provides practical strategies for addressing issues such as smoking or vaping, alcohol use, drug experimentation, and other common teenage behaviors. Participants will leave with a personalized parenting plan tailored to their family’s needs.
“This program empowers parents with tools to guide their teens through difficult decisions while strengthening family relationships,” said Amanda Griswold, HDR Extension Educator.
Registration is now open and can be completed online at https://crawford.extension.wisc.edu/triple-p-positive-parenting-program/
or by calling the University of Wisconsin Extension Office at 608-326-0223 for assistance.
📣 Calling All Parents of Teens!
Are you raising a teen and looking for ways to make parenting a little easier—and a lot more joyful?
Join us for the Triple P Positive Parenting Program for Teens, a free virtual class designed for parents and caregivers of youth ages 12–16. Whether you're working through challenging behaviors or just want to strengthen your relationship with your teen, this class is full of practical strategies you can use right away.
🗓 Next class: Friday, November 21, 2025
🕛 Time: 12:00 PM (Noon)
📍 Location: Online via Zoom
🎟 Register here: https://go.wisc.edu/juqep0
Come to one class or attend several—whatever works for your schedule! Once you register, we’ll send all the info you need by email.
Questions? Reach out to Amanda Griswold at:
📧 amanda.griswold@wisc.edu
📞 608-326-0223
Let’s build strong, confident teens—together!
Amanda Griswold, HDFS and CFLE
Human Development & Relationships Educator
University of Wisconsin-Madison Division of Extension – Crawford County
UW-Madison Extension Crawford County
225 North Beaumont Road, Suite 240
Prairie du Chien, WI 53821
Phone: (608) 326-0223
Website: Extension Crawford County
If you receive a Food4Kids bag, please return the bag to the office as soon as possible.
Thank You!
SECOND HARVEST IS COMING!
Coming just in time to add goodies to your Thanksgiving table, Second Harvest Mobile Food
Pantry will be in beautiful downtown Gays Mills on Wednesday, November 26th, the day before
the great turkey appears! We have so many blessings to count in our community, not the least
of which is benefiting from the generosity of organizations like Second Harvest and other local
groups which share the wish that no one goes hungry. No telling what will be in the offerings
this month, but probably some produce, dairy, meat, eggs and bread. Come to 212 Main Street
and please try to get there no earlier than 1:30, as we will begin at 2:00 and continue until
3:00. Look for Harry to direct you, proceed to the greeter and tell them the number of
households you’re picking up for, and the number of people in each of those households. Also,
if there is any item on the selection list you do NOT want, please tell the greeter. Although we
will be without our usual, awesome North Crawford kids, due to their holiday break, we will
have fantastic volunteers to push carts to your car, load bags and boxes in the trunk, and send
you on your way with a gobble and a smile.
And as always, at the Gays Mills distribution site, we are grateful for the generosity and great
food selection brought to us by Second Harvest. Once again, in October we gave out food for
300 households.
With questions, please call JoAnn Gonos (608)-872-2583.
Coming just in time to add goodies to your Thanksgiving table, Second Harvest Mobile Food
Pantry will be in beautiful downtown Gays Mills on Wednesday, November 26th, the day before
the great turkey appears! We have so many blessings to count in our community, not the least
of which is benefiting from the generosity of organizations like Second Harvest and other local
groups which share the wish that no one goes hungry. No telling what will be in the offerings
this month, but probably some produce, dairy, meat, eggs and bread. Come to 212 Main Street
and please try to get there no earlier than 1:30, as we will begin at 2:00 and continue until
3:00. Look for Harry to direct you, proceed to the greeter and tell them the number of
households you’re picking up for, and the number of people in each of those households. Also,
if there is any item on the selection list you do NOT want, please tell the greeter. Although we
will be without our usual, awesome North Crawford kids, due to their holiday break, we will
have fantastic volunteers to push carts to your car, load bags and boxes in the trunk, and send
you on your way with a gobble and a smile.
And as always, at the Gays Mills distribution site, we are grateful for the generosity and great
food selection brought to us by Second Harvest. Once again, in October we gave out food for
300 households.
With questions, please call JoAnn Gonos (608)-872-2583.
Tech Tips for Families: How to Protect Teens from Online Scams
Online scams targeting teens are becoming more common and more sophisticated. Internet Matters’ guide helps parents and caregivers protect teens effectively:
Teach teens to recognize phishing, impersonation tactics, and too-good-to-be-true offers.
Encourage a simple safety framework: Recognise (watch for scam signs), React (stop and don’t engage), Resolve (report and block).
Emphasize digital resilience by building critical thinking and safe skepticism to avoid scams.
Keep conversations open so teens feel comfortable sharing if something suspicious happens.
Click this link for more: https://www.flipsnack.com/internetmattersorg/how-to-protect-teens-from-online-scams-internet-matters/full-view.html
Online scams targeting teens are becoming more common and more sophisticated. Internet Matters’ guide helps parents and caregivers protect teens effectively:
Teach teens to recognize phishing, impersonation tactics, and too-good-to-be-true offers.
Encourage a simple safety framework: Recognise (watch for scam signs), React (stop and don’t engage), Resolve (report and block).
Emphasize digital resilience by building critical thinking and safe skepticism to avoid scams.
Keep conversations open so teens feel comfortable sharing if something suspicious happens.
Click this link for more: https://www.flipsnack.com/internetmattersorg/how-to-protect-teens-from-online-scams-internet-matters/full-view.html
We’re excited for our annual Breakfast with Santa event!
Santa will be joining us from 8:30–10:30, and we’ve added a new menu along with new fun games and activities this year. All funds raised will go toward the Senior Class Trip. Please help us spread the word!
We can’t wait to see you!
Santa will be joining us from 8:30–10:30, and we’ve added a new menu along with new fun games and activities this year. All funds raised will go toward the Senior Class Trip. Please help us spread the word!
We can’t wait to see you!
