:: Develop their instincts ::
Help kids learn to trust their guts so they can suss out creepy, risky, or otherwise unsafe online situations. Playact a few scenarios: What if someone asks to take a conversation private? What if someone asks for your phone number? What if someone invites you to a private chat room? Be aware that some kids (even "good" kids) will explore iffy stuff online out of curiosity. But the minute they feel uncomfortable, they need to shut things down.
Video Link: bit.ly/olyRCv5
It's natural for teens to be curious about their emerging sexuality. But most children aren't prepared for the risks of exploring this in the digital age. Help your kids think critically about self-disclosure in relationships and practice how they'd respond to a situation where sexting -- or a request for sexting -- might happen.
In this video, kids can hear other teens' honest -- and sometimes frank -- thoughts about the pressures and risks that come with sexting, then consider how they might react in similar situations.
As the semester winds down, the Olympia staff each selected a student in our first ever I CHOOSE YOU luncheon. Students were chosen because they inspire their teachers to come to school each day. Congratulations to all this semester's choices!
Congratulations to Sarah Cross who broke the Girl's school record this morning with a pull of 210 lbs. Very Impressive in 20 years of training athletes the most I have ever had a female athlete do! 💪💪💪
:: Empathize with the pressure to overshare ::
Tweens and teens might feel pushed into sharing a sexy photo for different reasons: a dare, fear of damaging a relationship, or just because "everyone else is doing it." But this one is nonnegotiable. Tell them that you understand how bad it can feel to disappoint a friend. Then help them imagine how much worse it would feel if a private picture were shared with their whole school.
Our Destress Fest at OHS was a success! Students sang karaoke, participated in crafts, played dodgeball, and/or grabbed a hot chocolate and cookies to take a break from studying. We ended the day with an elf-eating pie contest and relay race where teachers were wrapped as presents.
The National Guard worked with Unified PE today to strengthen team building skills and to teach about their job. We appreciate this opportunity and we are thankful for everyone that has served our country! 🇺🇸 #SpartanProud
:: 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!
The OHS Speech Team had a great last tournament of 2022! results included the JV tournament champion in Original Comedy - Reid Kelly, seven JV finalists, and six Varsity finalists. They also placed 3rd in team sweeps out of 22 schools! Congratulations, Speaking Spartans!
The boys basketball team was joined by guest speaker Emily Saddler this morning at practice. During her speech Emily shared stories of her son Gunner’s current battle with stage 4 cancer. She also talked about the importance of resilience and determination in the face of hardship, whether it is on or off the court.
To learn more about Gunner or donate to his cause visit www.gunnersmash.com
Thank you for stopping by Emily!
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
Dr. Tony Studer, University of Illinois Professor of Crop Sciences, met with our OHS Ag Science students. Students learned about basic genetics and tools that can be used to select for specific traits in crops such as popcorn. Students used playing cards to learn how backcrossing is used to select specific traits from two parent varieties of plants.
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.
:: 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.
Congratulations to Lexi Brammeier on her decision to continue her softball playing career and education at Carl Sandburg College, where she will study clinical psychology.
:: 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.
Just a reminder that the JV and Varsity Girls Basketball games tonight against Farmington will be in the middle school gym since the high school gym is being set up for the annual Madrigal performances this weekend. Please enter the building through the middle school entrance