Resources: bit.ly/OlyCBR1
There are A LOT of "social media" sites out there. You know about Twitter & Facebook, but what about Reddit, TikTok, Twitch, Sarahah, or Discord? Educate yourself with this list of short explanation videos from Common Sense media!
Video: bit.ly/OlyCBV4
For kids, miscommunication is a common occurrence online and on social media. Plus, being behind a screen makes it easier to say things they wouldn't say in person. So how do we help kids avoid the pitfalls of digital drama?Hear it from the source!
The Counseling Department will be hosting our annual College Family next Wednesday, March 4th, at 6pm during Parent-Teacher Conferences. College reps from 8 colleges will be at Olympia as well as an ISAC representative to assist with FAFSA completion. All families welcome!
Freshman and Sophomore baseball practice will begin Monday, March 2nd and go through the 6th from 5:30pm - 7:30pm in the HS Gym. Be sure to be registered on 8to18 and have a current physical.
Congratulations to Mariah Maris on her fantastic performance at state this year - she placed 5th in the state and we cannot wait to see what she does next year as a Senior!
Congratulations to Grace Melick for placing Second at the IHSA State Tournament! She gave the most beautiful, genuine, and real speech and we are so proud!
A9 Diner provides OHS Life Skills students with an opportunity to interact with faculty while working on job, and life skills! Faculty showed their support for inclusion by raising $251.50 for the Polar Plunge directly supporting Special Olympics IL. From A9 Diner Staff, & our very own Special Olympic Athletes; we hope you enjoyed your delicious treats, & THANK YOU for your support!
Congratulations to Grace Melick for making the state final round of Oratorical Declamation and to Mariah Maris for making the state final round of Prose! Good luck Spartans!
Family Tip 5: Take breaks.
Notice your kid getting pulled into digital drama? Help them take a break. They may determine for themselves when they need to step back, but they might need some help setting limits. Putting devices to bed at a specific time can help kids recharge.
Video: bit.ly/OlyCBV5
Digital harassment happens when teens use texts, instant messages, emails, and social media posts to keep tabs on or threaten someone else. It usually involves two people in a close relationship. Here are four ways to help teens avoid digital harassment.
There will be an Open House tonight and Saturday for the new Laborers' Construction Craft Prep Program in Stanford. This is open to all sophomores and juniors, and can lead to acceptance into the apprenticeship following graduation. Don't miss out on this great opportunity!
Q&A: How can I explain why teens shouldn't create fake profiles to tease their friends and/or peers?
https://www.commonsensemedia.org/facebook-instagram-and-social/how-can-i-explain-why-teens-shouldnt-create-fake-profiles-to-tease
Photo from Rober Monkada
Family Tip 4: Encourage upstanding.
Let kids know that supporting someone who is being bullied can make a big difference. If they feel safe confronting the bully, they should. If not, a PM can help someone through a tough time. Speaking up against hate speech is important too!
Video: bit.ly/OlyCBV7
As humans, we thrive on social connections and group associations. But this tendency can also lead us to be suspicious of people outside our group. This fear -- xenophobia -- can be overcome by more exposure to people who are different from us. However, the internet can often make this more difficult. Help your kids recognize this challenge and find strategies for navigating content online.
The Olympia High School Speech Team Sectional Qualifiers did amazing things yesterday at Belleville West. Beatrice Harbaugh and Zach Manahan were IHSA Sectional Finalists and Grace Melick and Maria Maris are headed to the State competition next weekend!
Video: bit.ly/OlyCBV6
Cyberbullying is something most families hope they never have to deal with. But if your kids are texting, sharing photos, and posting comments, it’s important to talk to them about how to deal with online harassment. Learn 5 ways to stop cyberbullies.
Today, Friday, February 14th all Olympia schools will begin one hour late due to the extreme cold.
Family Tip 3: Role-play.
If kids feel like they might have trouble removing themselves from digital drama, experiment with some different ways they can make a graceful exit. Talk through words they can use, ways they can steer conversations in positive directions, etc.
All Olympia activities are cancelled for today, February 13th. All Olympia buildings are closed today as well.
All after school activities are cancelled for tonight, February 12th. Please be safe on your way home.