Every household should fill out a 2020 Census form (either online, by phone or by mail) by April 1, 2020. Watch your mailbox for directions and learn more at CareAbouttheCount.org. #CareAbouttheCount #CentralIllinoisCounts
Why #CareAbouttheCount? Filling out the census will boost our community, ensure adequate public funding and inspire a sense of civic duty. Read about regional efforts to boost our Central Illinois participation. https://www.peoriamagazines.com/pm/2020/mar/care-about-count #CentralIllinoisCounts
Do you value affordable housing? Healthcare centers? School funding? A complete count in the #2020census is critical to securing billions in funding for community programs you value most. #CareAbouttheCount! https://youtu.be/h2JMt4ZNR_Q #CentralIllinoisCounts #ILCountMeIn
Congratulations to our IESA State Qualifying Wrestlers! #SpartanNation
ACTIVITY UPDATE: Our annual Mr Spartan event scheduled for tonight Friday March 13th has been postponed to a date yet to be determined.
Your community is counting on you. Watch your mailbox and complete your household’s census at CareAbouttheCount.org. #CareAbouttheCount #CentralIllinoisCounts
The 7th Grade informational meeting for Washington DC is Wednesday, March 4th at 6pm in the MS Cafe.
Three winners in round 1 of the IESA State Chess Tournament
Family Tip 5: Review worst-case steps.
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. Talk about who those people are and make sure your kid has their contact information.
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!
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.
Any MS Student interested in MS Track - there will be a meeting, Friday, Feb 28th at 2:27pm in the MS Gym. Questions email: naomi.springer@olympia.org or brendan.hoskins@olympia.org
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
7th Grade meeting for Washington DC trip in Spring of 2021 is being held on Wednesday, March 4th at 6pm in HS Cafe. Questions email colleen.williams@olympia.org
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.
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.