Arthur Rann Newsletter - 4/26

Friendly Reminders:

· Cell phones should not be seen or heard in school. Students may not take pictures or videos at school, on the bus, etc.

· Encourage children to always do their best and to take responsibility for their words, actions, and learning.

· Remind students to ask the following before saying or doing something: Is it kind? Is it helpful? Is it necessary?

· Please be on time for school and attend regularly as there is important learning happening every day.

· Respect our school (including staff, students, bathrooms, materials, bus, etc.).

· For the safety of all of our students, please be sure to monitor Children’s use of technology and cell phones.

· Enjoy each day!

Technology & Children’s Safety:

We thought that this information was important to share again as we continue to address these situations.

Over the past months, we have been posting reminders in our monthly newsletters about the use of technology and cell phones by students. We continue to receive complaints about incidents that occur outside of the school building (after hours) in the evenings or on the weekends. Though many of these are not related to school, we still have concerns about the content accessed, the language used, as well as students who state that they interact with strangers by way of technology, online games, cell phones, etc. More than one student has shared how they are on their phones well into the early hours of the morning engaged in conversations/chats. Technology is a wonderful tool, however, having access at the tap of one’s fingertips to almost anything and anyone is a safety concern. We cannot stress enough the importance of being aware of your child(ren)’s online and/or cell phone activity. As an additional friendly reminder: Students may not use cell phones at school, and students may not take pictures or record anyone or anything at school, on the bus, etc. Students are required to abide by the Acceptable Use Policy at school and/or when utilizing our technology or platforms. Students who misuse these, may receive consequences at school, including—but not limited to—the loss of the privilege to use school technology. As always, we appreciate your support in this important matter. Together, we can ensure the safety of our students.

Parent Tips:

1. Set Clear Rules
• Create family guidelines for technology use, including how much screen time is allowed and which websites or apps are okay to access.
2. Use Parental Controls
• Many devices and apps have settings to block inappropriate content, as well as help parents/guardians to monitor usage.
3. Talk Openly
• Have regular conversations about what your child is doing online and who they’re talking to online, on the phone, etc. Be aware of their activities on technology!
• Encourage them to share if they see or experience anything uncomfortable or questionable.
4. Lead by Example
• Model healthy habits by limiting your own screen time and using technology responsibly.

Remember: Technology is an incredible tool that supports us in so many ways; however, as with anything else, it needs to be used wisely and safely! Together, families can enjoy all the great things technology has to offer while staying aware, safe, and smart.

Decision-Making

One key skill for children to be taught is how to be effective decision-makers. It is helpful for children to learn the responsibility involved in making decisions as well as the importance of making the right choices. Parents and guardians can assist children in developing responsibility and decision-making skills by giving children responsibility in the home and discussing choices. When teaching responsibility:

· Give children age-appropriate chores

· Increase responsibility with age

· Expect the best from children

· Clearly explain expectations

· Set reasonable limits

· Praise children for accomplishments

· Assign tasks that can successfully be completed

· Express confidence in children’s abilities