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.
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!
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!
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!
Olympia Middle School staff spent the afternoon digging into The Writing Revolution 2.0. Our school wide learning goal this year is to improve student writing. We have been working hard to break down writing skills into manageable steps for students. The staff spent time learning different ways to offer specific and actionable feedback to student writing. We believe that strong writing skills are essential for students to achieve success in all subject areas.
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.
Help Olympia Football tackle hunger this Friday.
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.
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.
Generative AI: A Double-Edged Sword Against Cyberbullying
🛡️ + AI can detect and remove harmful content, helping to protect victims
⚔️ - Bullies can use AI to create new kinds of targeted harassment
Educate your family on both sides of this complicated debate with these resources:
🛡 Teenager Gitanjali Rao creates Kindly.io, an AI powered tool to check messages for harmful language.
-- Article: https://www.unicef.org/innovation/kindly
-- Video: https://youtu.be/AGasyo0KM3M?si=KLrWxGv1uBKRyysq
⚔ AI raises concern over the emergence of digital extortion schemes targeting teens.
-- Article: https://saferkidsonline.eset.com/en-us/article/is-ai-enabling-a-new-wave-of-cyberbullying-1
Just like you'd ask your kid about their sleep, exercise, and eating, stay on top of their online life. Who are they chatting with? How do people treat each other in the games and on the sites they're using?
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.
OMS Open Gyms at OMS
Tuesday, October 15th at 7:00 am
Wednesday, October 16th at 7:00 am
Friday, October 18th at 7:00 am
OMS Boys Basketball Tryouts
Monday, October 21st from 3:30 pm-5:30 pm at Olympia South. Students can ride the shuttle bus to tryouts and back to the middle school.
Tuesday, October 22nd from 3:30 pm-5:30 pm at OMS.
Athletes must be registered on 8 to 18 and have a current physical on file.
Make sure kids understand what cyberbullying is: repeated and unwanted mean or hurtful words or behavior that occur online (through texts, social media posts, online chat, etc.).
Once kids go online, their chances of finding cyberbullies, haters, and trolls is, sadly, quite high. Find age-specific guidelines, videos, and articles to help with tough conversations -- whether your kid is a bully or is being bullied. Explore answers to all your cyberbullying questions, age-appropriate advice, school resources, and more from parents and experts. https://www.commonsensemedia.org/cyberbullying
