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Gut check time; do you digitally multitask in front of your kids? Explore that and other solutions to help your child reduce multitasking during homework time in this video.
It's easy to get distracted from homework (and life) when the phone never stops pinging and the next episode plays automatically. Let's set some common sense guidelines by signing this Family Media Agreement within your family: bit.ly/OlyAgreement
Election season stressing you out? This article from The Chicago School syncs up nicely with many of the Social Emotional Learning (SEL) skills that we teach at Olympia; practice mindfulness for self-awareness, take mental health breaks, set boundaries, etc... These skills will help kids and parents alike navigate the media landscape during stressful (or even day to day) events.
In November Olympia will be focusing on finding the right balance between our devices, an onslaught of media, and our own personal well-being. Read more of our philosophy around this topic here: bit.ly/OlyMediaBalance
5th grade celebrated today with a Sleepy Hollow Reader's Theatre and pumpkin contest! Congratulations to our student winners!
Our PBIS all school bucket is full! Students have worked hard to be kind, safe, and ready to learn and have earned an all school celebration. Tomorrow, Friday November 1st will now be a pajama day!
Article: New Healthy Media Habits for Young Kids
Now that screen-time recommendations are more flexible, it's time for new rules. | Caroline Knorr
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We celebrated another great group of students this month with a Monster Mash Out of the Blue! These students were selected for being kind, safe, and ready to learn!
Walk through what to do if your kid is being bullied online. First, step away. Ignoring a bully can be very effective. If the bullying continues, take screenshots or print out evidence. Then block the person. If it gets worse, report the behavior to a trusted adult.
Article: bit.ly/OlyCBA5
Other than straight-up cyberbullying, what are some other reasons our kids might be bummed by others' online behavior? Read more about ghosting, subtweeting, griefing (plus more), and learn some simple tips on how to handle these situations.
Halloween Fest is on Sunday, Oct 27 from 1-3 pm at Olympia High School. Wristbands are $5 at the South Athletic doors. Halloween Fest is sponsored by the Olympia National Honor Society. All proceeds go to Toys for Tots.
Questions? Email Mrs. Hapgood: amanda.hapgood@olympia.org
If you notice your kid getting pulled into digital drama, help them take a break. They might need some help setting limits. Putting devices to bed at a specific time, plus breaks for mealtimes and face-to-face connection, can help kids recharge.
Olympia South students were selected "Out of the Blue" for a Monday Monster Mash! These students were selected out of the whole school bucket of tickets given for being kind, safe, and ready to learn!
At tonight's New Teacher Academy, veteran teachers from across the district came together to share their best practices for a successful classroom environment and student learning. The theme of conversation was that "We are all in for our students!"
Resources: bit.ly/OlyCBR2
There are A LOT of "social media" sites out there. You know about Twitter & Facebook, but what about Reddit, TikTok, Snapchat, or Discord? Educate yourself with these "Parent's Ultimate Guides" 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!
Let kids know that supporting someone who is being bullied makes a 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!
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Teaching kids character strengths and life skills such as empathy is one of the most important jobs of being an adult. These great books for all ages help make it easier by celebrating friendship, difference, and the importance of caring for one another.
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.
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.
