Help tweens and teens take breaks from tech by limiting screen time in bedrooms, during study time, or at the dinner table. Consider carving out regular family time when screens are either put away or enjoyed together.
Help keep media/tech use in check by following a few simple practices:
1. Create screen-free times
2. Explore built-in digital well-being tools
3. Model the behavior you want to see
4. Help kids identify healthy behaviors
5. Understand how tech companies make $
bit.ly/OlyMBTipsS
https://bit.ly/OlyMBCB
Chatbots are becoming more helpful & clever, while at the same time, making it harder to tell if we're talking to a person or an AI. This video explores how and why AI chatbots are designed to sound so human-like, and how that might impact our well-being.
Screen time; the reality is that there really is no magic number that's "just right." What's more important is the quality of kids' media, how it fits into your family's lifestyle, and how you engage your kids with it. Read more @ http://bit.ly/OlyScreenTime
Olympia Middle School and High School are hosting a Veterans Day program on Monday, November 11th. We are inviting all veterans (Both who have served or are currently serving) to attend a breakfast and the program as a way to show our appreciation for their service and sacrifice for our country. Breakfast will begin at 7:30 am in the OHS cafeteria, and the Veterans Day Program will begin at 8:40 am in the OHS gym. Parking will be available in front of Olympia High School. To RSVP, you can use the link below, or you can call one of the numbers below:
If you have a student at OMS, please call 309-379-5941 Ext. 8020.
If you have a student at OHS, please call 309-379-5911 Ext. 9020.
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfftlQsvYDKSprg4LQ5Fpa95WnuG_NoHtBIVUreEoeMog2JpA/viewform
bit.ly/OlyMBMT
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.
We will have the portable Market set up this Friday outside the cafeteria at 3:15-3:35. Stop by and grab what you need.
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
Article: New Healthy Media Habits for Young Kids
Now that screen-time recommendations are more flexible, it's time for new rules. | Caroline Knorr
https://bit.ly/OlyMBCK
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.
These outstanding sixth graders are the first inductees to the Sixth Grade Hall of Fame. These students consistently exhibit the qualities identified as the sixth grade Honor Code and were nominated by their peers. Congratulations, Spartans!
Video: bit.ly/OlyCBV3
Chatting online can feel just like talking to someone in person, but it's actually quite different. It's all because of something called the "online disinhibition effect," which makes us more likely to share/communicate differently than if in person.
The basketball season is coming quickly as we are just 19 days away! Here is a team store link to celebrate the season and get some new Spartan Basketball gear. We can't wait to see everyone on December 2nd for our first home game! #TogetherWeAreOne
https://orders.minervapromotions.com/olympia_hs_basketball/shop/home
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.
Join us tomorrow Wednesday (October 23) for a Spaghetti Dinner prior to the Fall Choir Concert! Enjoy a meal! Pick up some Simply Sweet Cakes cupcakes and some Olympia swag! Try a lotus drink!
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!
