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
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!
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.
Come join us this Thursday evening for our first round of an Evening of the Arts! Choir concert begins at 7 and artwork will be on display out in the commons!
Mark your calendars for Saturday, December 17th. Families will have the opportunity to sip hot chocolate with the Stanford Police Department, decorate cookies, and visit with Santa.
:: 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.
:: Help Kids Make Friends and Interact Safely Online ::
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.
The water leak on the OHMS campus has been fixed! We will see all our students and staff tomorrow (Thursday, December 1st).
All after school activities at the high school and middle school are cancelled for tonight. Shuttle busses will still operate as we have practices at the elementary buildings.
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
Understand how tech companies make money.
Along with your tween and teen, research how digital devices, social media platforms, and apps and games get paid. Do they sell ads? Do they sell kids' data?
Help kids identify healthy behaviors.
Ask kids to notice their feelings, both physical and emotional, during screen and non-screen activities. Does their heart rate increase when their phone vibrates? Encourage kids to keep the constructive activities and let go of the rest.
How to Set Screen Rules That Stick Easy tips for limiting kids' computer, TV, game, and movie time. | Caroline Knorr | 2/21/2019
https://bit.ly/OlyMBSR
OMS Volleyball tryouts will be on Monday November 28th and Wednesday November 30th from 3:30 to 5:30 in the OMS gym. All participants need to be registered on 8to18 and have an up to date physical turned into the office.
https://olympiahs.8to18.com/accounts/login