Our Destress Fest at OHS was a success! Students sang karaoke, participated in crafts, played dodgeball, and/or grabbed a hot chocolate and cookies to take a break from studying. We ended the day with an elf-eating pie contest and relay race where teachers were wrapped as presents.
As the semester winds down, the Olympia staff each selected a student in our first ever I CHOOSE YOU luncheon. Students were chosen because they inspire their teachers to come to school each day. Congratulations to all this semester's choices!
As the semester winds down, the Olympia staff each selected a student in our first ever I CHOOSE YOU luncheon. Students were chosen because they inspire their teachers to come to school each day. Congratulations to all this semester's choices!
Congratulations to Sarah Cross who broke the Girl's school record this morning with a pull of 210 lbs. Very Impressive in 20 years of training athletes the most I have ever had a female athlete do! 💪💪💪
:: 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. Tell them that you understand how bad it can feel to disappoint a friend. Then help them imagine how much worse it would feel if a private picture were shared with their whole school.
Video Link: bit.ly/olyRCv6
For most middle schoolers, 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.
:: Learn about their worlds ::
Tweens and teens have unique communication styles -- especially online. As much as possible, 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 aggressive trash-talking, hate speech, rude images, or anything hurtful. If you see stuff that crosses the line, speak up. Kids need to understand that their words have consequences.
Phone outages from yesterday (12.12.22) have been resolved. Thank you for your patience!
We still have a few OMS students needing sponsored. https://www.olympia.org/o/district/page/nhs-angel-tree
Video: bit.ly/olyRCv3
Games, social media, and other online spaces give kids opportunities to meet and chat with others outside the confines of their real-life communities. But how well do kids actually know the people they're meeting and interacting with? Help students consider whom they're talking to and the types of information they're sharing online.
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.
Video Link: bit.ly/olyRCv7
Video Discussion Activity: bit.ly/olyRCda2
Dr. Tony Studer, University of Illinois Professor of Crop Sciences, met with our OHS Ag Science students. Students learned about basic genetics and tools that can be used to select for specific traits in crops such as popcorn. Students used playing cards to learn how backcrossing is used to select specific traits from two parent varieties of plants.
Oly North third graders think it is a perfect day to cozy up with a good book. Thank you, Mrs. Boots!
The Regional Office of Education (ROE 17) is working with National Louis University to support individuals that are interested in becoming a teacher. Information is linked below.
https://drive.google.com/file/d/11k3ZakAl_w2X724A5KQulifQApblVLiT/view?usp=share_link
Today, our 8th graders had a Course Selection Preparation Day. They attended six stations on various classes/ activities to get information to help make their upcoming high school transition go smoothly. The stations were: BACC Information, Dual Credit/ AP Classes, Clubs and Organizations, Internship Information, The Role of the OHS Counseling Office, and the Military. They were able to listen to current OHS students who are actively participating in these classes and activities. It was a great day of collaboration between the two buildings!
Social interaction is part of what makes online gaming so popular and engaging for kids. Of course, online communication can come with some risks. Show your kids how to keep their gaming experiences fun, healthy, and positive.
Video: bit.ly/olyRCv1
We are still looking for volunteers to purchase gifts for some of our OHMS students. If you are interested, please click on the link below.
https://www.olympia.org/o/district/page/nhs-angel-tree
Wednesday, December 7th is an Early Release Day for Olympia students. OHMS will dismiss at 11:30 a.m. and elementary schools will dismiss at 12:00 p.m.
:: 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.
Congratulations to Lexi Brammeier on her decision to continue her softball playing career and education at Carl Sandburg College, where she will study clinical psychology.
