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.
:: 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
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.
Today in science class, the Olympia Transition Program (OTP) used the engineering design process to build race cars from recycled materials. We are excited to test our race cars soon!
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?
OHS science students are investigating the case of a girl who became very sick after contracting antibiotic resistant bacteria. Redesigned to simulate a mystery, this classroom was transformed with decor and music to engage these scientists as they solve the case.
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
Model the behavior you want to see.
Tweens and teens learn more from watching adult behavior than listening to lectures. Consider how you use your devices and other media, and make changes if your use doesn't follow your expectations for your kids.
Explore built-in digital well-being tools.
Together with your kids, check out the features on their devices and in their apps that can help them use tech more intentionally.
Join the Olympia High School Dance Team for a Mini Dance Clinic and an opportunity to perform with the dance team at a basketball game! See the attached flyer for more details. We hope to see you there! Please email Coach Weyl at emily.weyl@olympia.org with any questions.
There will be a Toys for Tots donation drive at the Nov. 21 girls basketball game and the Nov. 29 boys basketball game. Earn free admission to the game by donating a new, unwrapped toy at the entrance table of the game. Monetary donations for Toys for Tots will also be accepted during the game.
