Video Link: bit.ly/olyRCv2
"It's complicated" can describe many of our relationships with others, both romantic and otherwise. Add digital devices and social media to the mix, and things get complicated even further.
Today's Activities
The Olympia Transition Program went to the Illinois Art Station today. We learned about Andy Warhol, designed our own stamp & created monoprinting posters! On the way back, we got to stop at a house that had tons of Christmas decorations!
:: Develop their instincts ::
Help kids learn to trust their guts so they can suss out creepy, risky, or unsafe online situations. Be aware that some kids (even "good" kids) will explore out of curiosity. But the minute they feel uncomfortable, they need to shut things down.
Video Link: bit.ly/olyRCv5
It's natural for teens to be curious about their emerging sexuality. But most children aren't prepared for the risks of exploring this in the digital age. Help your kids think critically about self-disclosure in relationships and practice how they'd respond to a situation where sexting -- or a request for sexting -- might happen.
In this video, kids can hear other teens' honest -- and sometimes frank -- thoughts about the pressures and risks that come with sexting, then consider how they might react in similar situations.
Today's Activities
:: Empathize with the pressure to overshare ::
Tweens and teens might feel pushed into sharing a sexy photo for different reasons: a dare, fear of damaging a relationship, or just because "everyone else is doing it." But this one is nonnegotiable.
Today's Activities
Video Link: bit.ly/olyRCv6
For most kids, being on social media can mean connecting with friends, sharing pictures, and keeping up-to-date. But it can also mean big-time distractions, social pressures, and more. Help your kids navigate the different feelings they may already be experiencing on social media.
In this video, kids hear what other teens have to say about using social media to connect with friends, consider the complications and distractions that can happen, and think critically about how social media affects their own relationships.
This past week, OHS students in art classes have had their artwork on display in the learning center for the Fall Art Show! This semester, we have drawing, printmaking, painting, and sculpture by students from our 3D Art and two Introduction to Art classes featured in the show. It was a very strong collection of artwork this semester, and to help evaluate the pieces, we invited Mrs. Johnson's middle school art students to be our guest judges for the show. The designated the following awards:
- BEST IN SHOW: Logan Wiggins for his pencil drawing "Just a Little Doodle"
- Award for Best Creativity: Sidney Droe for her colored pencil drawing "It'll All Be Okay"
- Award for Best Craftsmanship: Lise Hanson for her painted sculpture "Frog"
- Award for Best Artwork in Black & White: Jesilynn Payne for her charcoal drawing "The Fight"
- Award for Best Artwork in Color: Kiara Porter for her colored pencil drawing "Parabox"
Congratulations to all our OHS artists for a great semester of artmaking!
Today's Activities
Today's Activities
:: Learn about their worlds ::
Tweens and teens have unique communication styles, especially online. Keep an eye on what they're saying and doing online to understand the norm in their worlds. Don't police everything they say, but keep an ear out for anything hurtful.
December can be a stressful month for students and staff alike, so a special guest was invited to the high school to help alleviate some stress.
Thank you to DonnaLou for bringing Grace! HOPE Therapy Dogs of Central Illinois provide such a great service to our surrounding communities. We appreciate you!
Today's Activities
Video Link: bit.ly/olyRCv7
Video Discussion Activity: bit.ly/olyRCda2
When we talk about our personal beliefs and politics, passions can run high -- especially when we're online. These intense moments can often lead to tit-for-tat insults, or worse. But, if addressed calmly and coolly, they can be an opportunity to find common ground and deeper understanding. Teach your children to keep disagreements civil so their ideas will be heard and so they can advocate for positive change.
In this video, you will hear from Cameron Kasky, Parkland school shooting survivor and March for Our Lives activist, on what he learned about civil discourse online and how to foster common ground with others, even in disagreement.
Late post: The full week before Thanksgiving break, the Department of FUN hosted an underground spirit week for OHS staff. We had so much fun dressing up and pranking the students throughout the week.
Today the Unified PE class got to celebrate an awesome semester by getting out & going bowling! I say it every semester, but we have the best PE buddies! So thankful for these high school students who show up each day, create friendships, and are positive role models for our OTP students! Thank you to the following students: Javin Bruder, Mackenzie Follick, Ethan Johnson, Brooklyn Komnick, Khloe Scheets, Grace Small, Marlee Talbert, Sierra Whitecotton, Natalie Vanetten 🩵🩵🩵
:: Give them the right words ::
Kids learn about appropriate verbal and physical communication from watching you. But online conversations can be invisible. Occasionally, narrate as you're writing texts or social media comments when your kids are in earshot.
2024 MADRIGAL TICKETS AVAILABLE IN LINK BELOW 🏰 Available through 12/8
Please note- you must purchase on a computer if you would like to view the seating map to select your seats. You will not receive a physical ticket. Just give the name of your party at the door! Thank you for your support, and we will see you at Castle Olympia very soon! ❤️💚🏰✨ https://olympiachoirs.ticketleap.com/olympia-high-school-34th-annual-madrigal-feaste/?fbclid=IwY2xjawGocGlleHRuA2FlbQIxMQABHbELsFQoZ5TmvMzBKySXti_eri497AwjL0ymMB43z-aqiPHlxtDbpFeGRQ_aem_gi_9e_0KvSfUFizsiOGyRw
