MSN Messenger, ICQ, MySpace. Do those terms take you back? I know for me they do. When I think back to my use of these VERY EARLY social media sites, most of my memories are good. I think of being able to chat with my friends in the evening & making plans for later that day or week. I remember logging on to see if any of my friends would want to chat about the most recent Husker football game or the cool new thing I learned about Madden 64 (yes, this existed on the Nintendo 64).

However, I remember times when people who were my FRIENDS were downright mean. There was name-calling and bullying. Things were said to people online that would NEVER be said to their faces. When things like this happened, one could log off and get away, because this all happened on the family computer that was located in the living room. I could go outside and play with neighborhood friends, play a video game, or hang out with my brother.

Now, these interactions are occurring on a phone or tablet & it is hard to get away from those. Even if you put down the device, notifications don't stop. That ding is addictive. What if your best friend had good news? What if Mr. Beast just posted a new video? What if your favorite team just made a big splash signing? You have to know these things! Unfortunately, that ding may be a message from someone you don't get along with, or someone who just wants to be mean.

Devices aren't all bad. We do our best to use them effectively at school. All the information a person could need is at their fingertips thanks to technology. Technology can make our lives so much easier. We just need to be cautious.

In conclusion, I have sat back and watched adults say things online they would never say to anyone's face in a public forum. This may be why Nebraska Statute prohibits children under the age of 13 from having social media. Now, I want you to think about how children and teens may be acting online in "private" places like Snapchat or Instagram Messenger. If your children have these apps, please be mindful. Keep an eye on their interactions, monitor their screen time, and PLEASE talk to your children about what's going on with these interactions.

Please remember that students are expected to be off campus by 3:45 pm, unless they are here for other school-related activities.
Please call the office if your child is sick or will not be in attendance. This helps us keep more accurate track of excused and unexcused absences.
Promptness is important! Please make sure your child is IN SCHOOL by 8:00 every morning. Tardiness makes the day difficult for all those involved.
If your contact information changes, please inform the office. This will make it easier for us to contact you should we need to.
Please remember if you need to come into the building during pick up/drop off time, you need to park in one of the parking lots. Also, if you are not handicapped, please do not pick students up in the handicapped parking spot.
Breakfast starts at 7:40 and we will close the line at 7:55.