Olympia Middle School

Video Link: bit.ly/olyRCv3 Students hear from teens about the benefits and drawbacks of presenting themselves differently (or even anonymously) to others online, and consider what it means to "be yourself" in digital spaces. 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.

OMHS Angel Tree Deadline Friday!

Sixth graders at OMS were forensic interns for the day in ELA. They performed a "character operation" to gather evidence to determine whether a character was static or dynamic. "Surgery" will be performed tomorrow, and presentations of the diagnoses will be given on Friday.

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.

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

Parenting can be hard! Holidays can add stress. Find hope, answers, and stay current on parenting trends. Check out this Spartan parent resource: https://parentguidance.org/ This resource is available to all parents, grandparents and staff.

The Olympia Middle School and High School bands performed their annual Holiday Concert tonight at Olympia High School. Led by OHMS Band Director, Jimmy Spencer, these very talented musicians played a wide variety of holiday classics including "Jingle Swing," "A Christmas Cannon," and "All I Want for Christmas is You." Great job, Spartans!

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.

Parenting can be hard! Holidays can add stress. Find hope, answers, and stay current on parenting trends. Check out the Spartan parent resource: parent guidance.org. This is a resource available to all parents, grandparents and staff.

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. Give them the right words. Learn about their worlds. Empathize with the pressure to overshare. Develop their instincts.

Send off for the 7th Grade OMS Basketball Team will be today at 12:15 from Olympia West through Hopedale and out to the interstate. They play at 2:30 vs Southwestern Piasa at Auburn High School.

Check out Coat Giveaway Details:

7th Grade Girls Basketball defeats Washington Middle School to earn the 3A Sectional Title. They are State Bound, Saturday December 2nd, 2:30pm at Auburn vs Southwestern Piasa.

Did you miss last night's session on Emotional Regulation? Check out the replay to find out what e-motion is: https://cookcenter.info/Nov28OlympiaReplay It's a good session worth your time.

Did you miss last night's session on Emotioanl Regulation? Check out the recording for what e-motion means: https://cookcenter.info/Nov28OlympiaReplay It was a good session worth your time.

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

Can't make it tonight? Go ahead and register, that way the recorded session will show up in your inbox. Watch at your convenience!

Family Tip 5: Understand how tech companies make money

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