Due to road conditions, the Olympia School District will be utilizing a remote learning day for Friday March 11th. Elementary students should work on their packets that were sent home and Middle School and High School students will be expected to check Google Classroom for instructions from their teachers.
A decision regarding activities will be made this afternoon. Coaches will be in contact with students and families.
Thank you, and have a safe Friday!
--
Andy Walsh
Assistant Superintendent
Article Link: bit.ly/olyDSA1
If you're not ready to #deletefacebook, here are 13 simple things you and your kids can do on your social accounts, phones, and devices to keep data safe.
Family Tip 1: Discuss Personal vs. Private Info.
Talk about the difference between what's OK to share online (favorite color) and what's not (home address).
Check out how we work hard to protect your child's data privacy here at Olympia!
bit.ly/olydataprivacy
When kids start to go online, whether they're playing multiplayer games, using educational apps, or just following their curiosity on Google, it's important that they understand the basics of online privacy and safety. With some general guidelines around what information is and isn't OK to share, and some help from parents when they're unsure, kids can have fun and learn a lot in the digital world.
When kids go online, whether they're playing multiplayer games, using social media apps, or posting their latest creative expressions, it's important that they understand how to keep their private information safe. With tips on how to avoid scams and protect their personal data, tweens and teens can travel all over the digital world -- and still be in charge of their digital footprints.
We will expand on these tips throughout the month during our Family Tips series!
Q&A: bit.ly/olyDSA6
To help kids maximize the Internet's benefits -- while minimizing the risks -- we offer the latest research, tips, and tools on what really keeps kids safe. Which privacy settings should you use? What are the ins and outs of parental controls? Get tips on everything from the basics, such as smart usernames, to the big stuff, such as appropriate sharing. Plus, tell companies to stop profiting from kids' data and file a Do Not Sell request with the apps and websites your family uses.
Video: bit.ly/OlySPV1
Sharing photos, posting comments, playing video games are just a few of the ways that kids interact online. But when sharing goes beyond friends and family, it can be risky.
Video: bit.ly/OlyCBV3
Chatting online can feel just like talking to someone in person, but it's actually quite different. It's all because of something called the "online disinhibition effect," which makes us more likely to share/communicate differently than if in person.
Family Tip 6: Review worst-case steps.
Walk through what to do if your kid is being bullied online. First, step away. Ignoring a bully can be very effective. If the bullying continues, take screenshots or print out evidence. Then block the person. If it gets worse, report the behavior to a trusted adult. Talk about who those people are and make sure your kid has their contact information.
Resources: bit.ly/OlyCBR1
There are A LOT of "social media" sites out there. You know about Twitter & Facebook, but what about Reddit, TikTok, Twitch, Sarahah, or Discord? Educate yourself with this list of short explanation videos from Common Sense media!
Video: bit.ly/OlyCBV4
For kids, miscommunication is a common occurrence online and on social media. Plus, being behind a screen makes it easier to say things they wouldn't say in person. So how do we help kids avoid the pitfalls of digital drama? Hear it from the source!
Family Tip 5: Take breaks
If you notice your kid getting pulled into digital drama, help them take a break. It's great if they can determine for themselves when they need to step back, but they might need some help setting limits.
Video: bit.ly/OlyCBV5
Digital harassment happens when teens use texts, instant messages, emails, and social media posts to keep tabs on or threaten someone else. It usually involves two people in a close relationship. Here are four ways to help teens avoid digital harassment.
Books that Teach Empathy: bit.ly/OlyCBB
Teaching kids character strengths and life skills such as empathy is one of the most important jobs of being an adult. These great books for all ages help make it easier by celebrating friendship, difference, and the importance of caring for one another.
Families & Students,
Due to the impending forecast that includes ice in the early morning and
heavy snowfall tomorrow afternoon, Olympia students will be doing remote
learning tomorrow, Thursday, February 17th. Elementary students will work
on the materials that have been sent home by their teachers. Middle school
and high school students should login to Google classroom tomorrow to
complete their work and / or participate in meetings with their teachers.
We realize there may be minor fluctuations in the weather but at this
point it appears as if our morning commute and our afternoon commute would
both be negatively impacted by weather. We will make an announcement
tomorrow regarding Thursday after school activities / practices.
As a reminder, students DO NOT have school on Friday, February 18th due to
a Teacher Institute Day. Monday, February 21st is a school holiday as well.
We will see students back in our buildings on Tuesday, February 22, 2022.
Family Tip 4: Encourage upstanding
Let kids know that supporting someone who is being bullied can make a big difference. If they feel safe confronting the bully, they should. If not, a PM can help someone through a tough time. Speaking up against hate speech is important too!
Video: bit.ly/OlyCBV6
Cyberbullying is something most families hope they never have to deal with. But if your kids are texting, sharing photos, and posting comments, it’s important to talk to them about how to deal with online harassment. Learn 5 ways to stop cyberbullies.
Family Tip 3: Role-play
If kids feel like they might have trouble removing themselves from digital drama, experiment with some different ways they can make a graceful exit. Talk through words they can use, ways they can steer conversations in positive directions, etc.
What should I do if my kid is bullied online?
Finding out that your kid has been cyberbullied is emotional for parents. You or your kid might want to retaliate, but it's best to help your kid defuse the situation, protect himself, and make rational efforts to put a stop to the bullying. Here are the immediate steps we recommend for parents... Read More
https://www.commonsensemedia.org/cyberbullying/what-should-i-do-if-my-kid-is-bullied-online
