Beware of False Redhawks

New website has no connection with North Tama Schools

Recently, the Star Clipper printed a front-page article announcing the launch of a new website run by a private company called DigitalTown, Inc. According to the article, this new website has been launched “Just in time for back to school…” The article also claims that the new website is “...for the Red Hawks community.” (Note the use of “Red Hawks” rather than “Redhawks.”)

I want to make it very clear that this web site is NOT affiliated with the North Tama County Community School District or any booster organization that supports our school. I have not mentioned the web address here, as I don’t want to give this “False Redhawk” website any publicity or increase the website’s traffic.  

The fact that the site is selling shirts
promoting North Tama's non-existent
Water Polo team makes it obvious that
the site owners have no connection with
North Tama Schools. 

The web site claims to feature “...a team store with latest gear and apparel.” When clicking on the team store link, it’s obvious that this site is not affiliated with the school because customers can purchase T-shirts and jackets for North Tama’s non-existent tennis team, the water polo squad, and even the rowing team, along with athletic programs that we do actually have like football and volleyball.

The web site encourages local businesses to purchase advertising on the site, and promotes the purchase of “Red Hawk Bucks” which can be used to purchase apparel and other gear.  For a website that claims to have such a strong connection to the North Tama Redhawks and the community, it is noted that in the fine print on the website it reads, “DIGITALTOWN.COM and its network are not affiliated with North Tama Red Hawks...”

Further investigation reveals that this same company has produced similar websites to capitalize on the name and mascot of many other area schools, including the BCLUW Comets, the GMG Wolverines, the Union Knights, and the Gladbrook-Reinbeck Rebels.  In fact, the company has registered thousands of domain names that are similar to school names across the country. While I’m a big supporter of free enterprise and what this company is doing may be technically legal, I personally think it is despicable that this company is deceiving people and businesses that simply want to support their local schools. Please don’t fall into this trap. There are much better ways to show your support of our school. These include membership in our local booster clubs. donations to the boosters or directly to the school, volunteering at the school, and purchasing Redhawks apparel and gear from reputable local businesses or the boosters.

Redhawks Yoga Squad? Really?

Again, BEWARE OF FALSE REDHAWKS. Please understand that if you were to purchase items from this website or purchase an advertisement on this website, your purchase will not benefit North Tama in any way.  At North Tama, we truly appreciate the strong, ongoing support that the school has received over the years from businesses and individuals that believe in this school and want our students to succeed. We hope that none of our supporters are deceived by this private business that is trying to hijack the school’s name and mascot for profit. Thanks to all of our loyal fans, parents, alumni, and community members for your support of authentic North Tama programs.  We appreciate your support!