:: Learn about their worlds ::
Tweens and teens have unique communication styles, especially online. 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 anything hurtful.
December can be a stressful month for students and staff alike, so a special guest was invited to the high school to help alleviate some stress.
Thank you to DonnaLou for bringing Grace! HOPE Therapy Dogs of Central Illinois provide such a great service to our surrounding communities. We appreciate you!
Today's Activities
Video Link: bit.ly/olyRCv7
Video Discussion Activity: bit.ly/olyRCda2
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.
Late post: The full week before Thanksgiving break, the Department of FUN hosted an underground spirit week for OHS staff. We had so much fun dressing up and pranking the students throughout the week.
Today the Unified PE class got to celebrate an awesome semester by getting out & going bowling! I say it every semester, but we have the best PE buddies! So thankful for these high school students who show up each day, create friendships, and are positive role models for our OTP students! Thank you to the following students: Javin Bruder, Mackenzie Follick, Ethan Johnson, Brooklyn Komnick, Khloe Scheets, Grace Small, Marlee Talbert, Sierra Whitecotton, Natalie Vanetten 🩵🩵🩵
:: 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.
2024 MADRIGAL TICKETS AVAILABLE IN LINK BELOW 🏰 Available through 12/8
Please note- you must purchase on a computer if you would like to view the seating map to select your seats. You will not receive a physical ticket. Just give the name of your party at the door! Thank you for your support, and we will see you at Castle Olympia very soon! ❤️💚🏰✨ https://olympiachoirs.ticketleap.com/olympia-high-school-34th-annual-madrigal-feaste/?fbclid=IwY2xjawGocGlleHRuA2FlbQIxMQABHbELsFQoZ5TmvMzBKySXti_eri497AwjL0ymMB43z-aqiPHlxtDbpFeGRQ_aem_gi_9e_0KvSfUFizsiOGyRw
MADRIGAL TICKETS AVAILABLE TILL 12/8! 🏰 Please note- you must purchase on a computer if you would like to view the seating map to select your seats. You will not receive a physical ticket. Just give the name of your party at the door! Thank you for your support, and we will see you at Castle Olympia very soon! ❤️💚🏰✨ https://olympiachoirs.ticketleap.com/olympia-high-school-34th-annual-madrigal-feaste/?fbclid=IwY2xjawGocGlleHRuA2FlbQIxMQABHbELsFQoZ5TmvMzBKySXti_eri497AwjL0ymMB43z-aqiPHlxtDbpFeGRQ_aem_gi_9e_0KvSfUFizsiOGyRw
So much of kids' social lives happens online. Whether they're texting with their study group, flirting on social media, or voice-chatting on game platforms, middle and high schoolers can learn to communicate in safe and healthy ways. These skills will help kids -- and the people they're communicating with -- have positive experiences online.
Today's Activities
Congratulations to Coach Justin Slager on his first career victory as head boys basketball coach with a 76 to 54 win over Decatur St. Teresa.
All Conference
Congratulations to 2024 All-Sangamo Conference Selections:
1st team:
Cohen Alexander - Safety
2nd team:
Cohen Maness - Guard
Liam Trew- Tackle
Jimmy Lollar - RB
Brendan Hardimon- Utility
Kyle Gellner - Dline
Honorable Mention:
Noah Tosh - DE
Carson Birky - OLB
Cole Bauer- ILB
Aycen Aldus - Center
Ian Tackett - Quarterback
Awesome year gentlemen!
Today's Activities
OHS Students and Families,
The Olympiad yearbook is now available to order for the 2024-2025 school year! This will be the 53rd edition of our school’s yearbook and one that our student staff is very proud to offer to our school community. We will cover all the school year highlights from August through May in this yearbook, complete with all of your sports, clubs and organizations, school events, portrait photos, and much more!
You may view purchasing options, including personalization and special packages, and place an order online through the Jostens website at jostens.com/buyyearbk, or call 1-877-767-5217. Your yearbook will be ready for you to enjoy at Homecoming Week 2025. For graduating seniors, please stop by anytime or plan for a family member to pick up your book for you next fall.
If you have any questions, please contact Natalie Stevens at natalie.stevens@olympia.org. Thank you!
Catch up with the latest student stories, events, and news updates. It's everything Olympia CUSD 16, in your pocket. If you haven't already, download the app!
Download for Android https://aptg.co/ZDkmVX
Download for iPhone https://aptg.co/49q8Hl
Along with your tween and teen, research how digital devices, social media , and apps and games get paid. Do they sell ads? Do they sell kids' data? Discuss why companies might want kids to spend more time on their platforms and what tricks they use to keep their attention.
My kid seems addicted to her phone. What do I do? It may seem like your kid is addicted (and may even "feel" addicted) to the phone, but it's more likely normal teen behavior. Read more: bit.ly/Oly_QA2
We are loving our new app! Access documents, news updates, and even emergency notifications, right from your pocket.
Download for Android https://aptg.co/ZDkmVX
Download for iPhone https://aptg.co/49q8Hl
Ditch the Distractions: Supporting Kids and Teens with Phone Notifications. How to help kids with managing device notifications and maintaining their digital well-being.
https://bit.ly/OlyMSdd
