Greetings Logger Families!
Winter has gone and spring is here. I am looking forward to warmer weather and maybe even some sunshine.
Parent teacher conferences will be held the week of March 31 - April 3, Mon-Thurs. The time is 1:30 - 3:30 each day, and Thursday additionally 5:00-7:00 pm. High School conferences are held in the high school cafeteria. Appointments are not necessary. Spring Break is April 7-11.
As you have probably heard, the Onalaska School District levy failed by about 55 votes. The school board has decided to try again with the vote day on April 22. For information about the levy, the district has posted on its website and Facebook page. You can access that information here:
https://www.onysd.wednet.edu/page/educational-programs-and-oper-levy
https://www.facebook.com/p/Onalaska-School-District-300-61550114106556/?locale=tl_PH
If you have specific questions, I highly recommend you reach out to the district. They will be happy to answer any questions you may have (360) 978-4111. Please remember to do your civic duty and vote.
SCREEN TIME
A recent survey of middle school students reported 43% of them used electronics between midnight and 5am on school nights. This means nearly half of students are engaged with their devices during crucial sleeping hours, affecting their wellbeing, academic performance and mental health.
Using electronics during the night has major consequences for students.
Lower academic performance- Tired students will struggle to focus and perform in class.
Increased anxiety and depression- Research has proven the overuse of screentime, particularly social media, directly impacts anxiety, depression, and loneliness in children.
Delayed social development- Increased screen time means less face-to-face time with peers, stunting the development of social skills.
Addictive behavior- Many on-lines games are designed to be addictive, making it harder to self-regulate and control.
Online bullying and harassment-Many negative interactions that happen at night will carry over into schools the following day, impacting student’s mood and social interactions.
What can parents do?
Remove electronics from the bedroom-Have students charge their devices outside of their bedrooms to keep them inaccessible to children.
Restrict WI-FI/internet access - Set up restrictions through parental controls to turn off at certain times.
Encourage alternate activities - Help your child discover non-electronic activities such as reading, listening to music, board and card games, or journaling.
Model Healthy Habits - Be a role model and put your screen down to spend time with your child.
This is a community problem and will need everyone to help step up and encourage students to put the screen down.
Sincerely,
Wade Pilloud