News Release: Information and Updates from MNIT Services

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MNIT Communications

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May 18, 2016

MNIT Services, the State of Minnesota’s information technology agency and the Minnesota Department of Education (MDE), are proud to announce the winners of this year’s Minnesota Kids Safe Online Poster Contest.

MNIT and MDE conduct the annual contest as part of a larger national effort by the Center for Internet Security. The popular contest encourages Minnesota’s youth to use the internet safely, securely, and engages them in in creating messages and images to communicate to their peers the importance of staying safe online.

Approximately 300 students participated in the contest, which was open to public, private and home-schooled students in grades K-12. This year’s artwork focused on themes such as staying safe on social networking sites, preventing cyber-bullying, protecting against viruses, and practicing good cyber-ethics.

Congratulations to the following Minnesota state winners:

State Finalists Grades K-5

• Jason, Transfiguration Catholic School, Oakdale, Grade 3 – “Don’t Text and Drive”
• Ashley, Rogers Elementary School, Rogers, Grade 4 – “There’s No Delete Button”
• Sophia, Rogers Elementary School, Rogers, Grade 4 – “How To Prevent Cyberbullying”
• Cali, Transfiguration Catholic School, Oakdale, Grade 4 – “Howl it Out”
• Mikayla, Transfiguration Catholic School, Oakdale, Grade 5 - “Shine Your Light”
• Ella, Transfiguration Catholic School, Oakdale, Grade 5 – “Cyberbullies Come in Packs”
• Leona*, Scenic Heights Elementary, Minnetonka, Grade 5 – “Stop Bullying”
• Galen*, Scenic Heights Elementary, Minnetonka, Grade 5 – “Beware"
• Joanna, Rogers Elementary School, Rogers, Grade 5 – “Do Not Answer”

State Finalists Grades 6-8

• Alyssa, Transfiguration Catholic School, Oakdale, Grade 6 – “Stand Up”
• Lily*, Transfiguration Catholic School, Oakdale, Grade 6 – “Bulldoze Bullying”
• Alexa, Transfiguration Catholic School, Oakdale, Grade 7 – “Don’t Push Buttons”
• Karla, Transfiguration Catholic School, Oakdale, Grade 7 – “Stand Up!”
• Megan, Transfiguration Catholic School, Oakdale, Grade 8 – “Words Hurt”
• Madeline, Transfiguration Catholic School, Oakdale, Grade 8 – “It isn’t Big to Make Others Feel Small”

*Indicates National Finalist Grades K-5

“I’m excited about this year’s winners and the fantastic job these artists did in creatively explaining cyber security,” said Tom Baden, Commissioner of MNIT Services. “This is an excellent way for Minnesota students to learn more about this important topic and steps they can take to keep themselves safe online.”

“Minnesota’s youth are surrounded by technology. Whether it’s in the classroom, at home, or interacting online – we are becoming an ever more connected society. Educating our youth about ways in which they can stay safe online and support a safe online environment for all is an invaluable lesson,” said Minnesota Department of Education Commissioner, Brenda Cassellius.

These winners will represent Minnesota in the National Cybersecurity Awareness National Calendar Contest. Finalists in that contest will be featured in the Center for Internet Security Cybersecurity calendar, which is sent to schools across the nation.

Visit our website to see the winning posters and to learn more about getting involved in the contest.