Olympia Middle School

Ms. Brown’s OMS Robotics Class is trying out the Poof Books technique teachers learned from our Institute speaker Greg Wolcott along with literature they’ve read from him this year. She even made a “Bucket O’ Poofs” to collect students’ work at the end of class! #ChallengeIsInteresting

8th Grade Boys in a thrilling win 45-43 over Pekin Broadmoor!

7th Grade 🏐 wins the first regional game in 2 sets over Heyworth!

Common Sense Media has an extensive Q&A section regarding online security & privacy. We encourage families to explore these topics, which are even broken down by age group! https://www.commonsensemedia.org/privacy-and-internet-safety

Sharing photos, posting comments, playing video games; these are just a few of the ways that kids interact online. But when sharing goes beyond friends and family, it can be risky. Watch this video for five simple Internet safety rules for kids: bit.ly/OlySPV1

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.

Family Tip 6: 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!

Final score 34-15 8th grade 🏀 Spartans pick the the home win!

26-13 halftime score of the 8th Grade Boys 🏀 game vs. Dee Mack

7th Grade Boys 🏀 over Dee Mack

7th Grade Boys 🏀 up at halftime 22-20 over Dee Mack.

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!

Edmentum Email Mistake: If you received an email with the subject, "Register for Edmentum Sensei for Families" you can safely ignore it. This was sent accidentally. Sorry for the confusion. Have a nice weekend!

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.

bit.ly/OlyCBB Teaching kids character strengths and life skills such as empathy is one of the most important jobs of being an adult. These great books for all ages help make it easier by celebrating friendship, difference, and the importance of caring for one another.

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

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!

All activities / practices are cancelled for today, February 16th. Stay Safe Spartans!