Hamburg School participates in media turnoff

HAMBURG — Students at Hamburg School recently joined others worldwide to participate in an annual media turnoff. Many students in the third through eighth grades voluntarily signed up for the challenge. They joined thousands of schools, libraries and community groups worldwide in a coordinated effort to encourage millions to turn off their TVs, computers and electronic screens. Turnoff week is a chance to read, be more physically active, converse, think, create and “do” rather than view, according to school officials. In preparation for the “Go-Unplugged 2010” media turnoff challenge, activities and incentives were planned. The Sussex County YMCA offered Family Day passes to participants and their families, and Skylands Iceworld offered study and skate nights with discounted ice-skating. The Sussex County Library System planned activities, including a Cinco de Mayo party and family game nights. Any student who completed a 20-day media turnoff became eligible to receive an all-season pass to Mountain Creek Water Park as a reward. Turnoff week is coordinated by Center for Screen Time Awareness, an international non-profit organization. Visit www.screentime.org for more information.